It is the view that the return of Civics in school will foster a situation where persons will become more conscious of the need to be living in a community together. Photo: VINO/File

“I do think that proper course in civic education and Civics beginning in our schools at a very early stage and continuing through will redound to the benefit of the country, in fact it will begin to produce citizens who are more conscious of civic responsibility,” said former Commissioner of Complaints Mr Elton Georges. Photo: VINO

Mr Georges was well supported by his successor, the new Complaints Commissioner Ms Sheila N. Brathwaite, who said Civics in schools is very important as it was done back in the days of her schooling in the VI. Photo: VINO

This call by Mr Georges came a day after Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn gave a clear indication of yet another area in the education system of the Virgin Islands that he feels needs a plug.

During his address at the Territory Day ceremony at Central Administration Complex on June 28, 2015, Hon Walwyn said, “We also must ensure that we return Civics to the Virgin Islands education system in both the primary and secondary schools because we understand the need to build good and informed citizens."

Mr Georges on the other hand was addressing members of the media on June 30, 2015 as he made his full exit from the position of Complaints Commissioner of the Virgin Islands and into full retirement.

It is his view that the return of Civics in school will foster a situation where persons will become more conscious of the need to be living in a community together. “How we have to compromise and to give and take and respect the rights of others not just to look out for our own,” he said.

Mr Georges was well supported by his successor, the new Complaints Commissioner Ms Sheila N. Brathwaite, who said Civics in schools is very important as it was done back in the days of her schooling in the VI.

“What it does it teaches you responsibility, it teaches you how to work with your fellow man, how not to disrespect one another,” she said. Mrs Brathwaite further alluded to the new requirements for high school seniors to graduate where they are required to complete 120 hours of community service.

“I thought that was a good idea because it teaches them to give back, teaching them early that they have to give back and that they are responsible citizens of the territory,” she said.