Budgetary allocation for Special Education
Speaking at a brief ceremony this morning Thursday January 5, 2012, at the Eslyn Henley Richez Learning Centre where the former Virgin Islands Horseowners’ Association handed over a donation to the Centre, Minister for Education and Culture Hon. Myron Walwyn disclosed that there was never a line item in the budget before for special education. The Minister pledged that he will ensure that is done and explained that monies generally allocated for education were then distributed to Special Education.
The Education Minister also pledged to have early discussions with the Principal of the Centre regarding needs of the school, some of which he said can be quickly addressed. Minister Walwyn said the Government mandate is to ensure the differently abled are taken care of.
Principal Vansittart Huggins stated that the school was in need of software for some computers that were donated and the monies that were donated by the former Horse owners’ association will be used towards that and other needs of the school. She had also expressed need for interest access for the students stating that the computers will help the students to further advance their learning as they can even use one finger to type and use the systems.
The Education Minister said he particularly liked the idea of the computer usage for the students.
Meanwhile, past President of the VI Horseowners’ Association Dereck Marshall said it was his goal when he was President to give back as much as he can to the community and the donation, which was in the sum of $1,500, was one of such.
Mr. Marshall said he also hopes the present association, which has two members from his then association, the new President Lesmore Smith and Vice President Roy Barry, will continue such works and even do more than he was able to do during his tenure.
He was joined at the event by Mr. Barry, former Racing Secretary Kelvin Thomas and former Treasurer Tanya Christopher.
The children of the institution welcomed their visitors and also rendered songs and a poem to their guests in thanking them for the donation.
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