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Dr Karl Dawson blasts Govt for poor financing of HLSCC

Months ahead of the completion of their report for the March 2015 accreditation process President of the HLSCC Dr. Karl Dawson foresees the financial status of the institution being one of the clear findings. Photo: VINO
The Ministry of Education and Culture with Honourable Myron V. Walwyn being the Minister continues to feel the fire for not doing their best for the HLSCC. Photo: VINO
The Ministry of Education and Culture with Honourable Myron V. Walwyn being the Minister continues to feel the fire for not doing their best for the HLSCC. Photo: VINO
The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College is seen as one of the most key tertiary education institution in the Virgin Islands that positions especially young people for qualifying themselves to face the competitive world of work. Photo: HLSCC.Edu.vg
The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College is seen as one of the most key tertiary education institution in the Virgin Islands that positions especially young people for qualifying themselves to face the competitive world of work. Photo: HLSCC.Edu.vg
PARAQUITA BAY, Tortola, VI – The National Democratic Party (NDP) led government continues to be blasted for its poor approach in funding tertiary education in the Virgin Islands and President and Chief Executive Officer of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) Dr. Karl Dawson had no fear in speaking out regarding the poor manner in which the college has been funded.

This formed part of a recent exclusive interview Dr Dawson afforded this news site at our request. Several tutors have continued to express their fears about what the outcome will be of the accreditation report that is due for completion by January 2015. They and Dr Dawson have made it known in advance that one of the glaring findings will be the manner of financing for the college.

Dr Dawson explained that the accreditation process seeks to answer that issue against the backdrop of the characteristics of excellence that are set by the Middle State Commission on Higher Education. “What we do then is compare ourselves according to those standards which are set against the expectations for excellence in schools,” said Dr Dawson.

“In that sense the report will produce a frank observation or assessment of the status of the college. It will find that we are doing many things well. It will find that there are a number of things though that if we would like to improve off the top one of the key things would be the whole issue of the financing of the institution, one of the major issues that we would want to see addressed,” he said.

According to Dr Dawson it would take continuous talks with the government about their approach in funding tertiary education. “It wouldn’t be a monologue; it certainly would have to be a dialogue as they consider the needs of the college, as they consider how higher education is financed.”

Dr Dawson feels that shifting some of the costs on the shoulders of the direct beneficiaries would be the most lucrative way in dealing with the financing of the institution. He noted however this would be a policy issue that does not falls under his purview but it is rather one that is dealt with at the government level.

“The government will have to determine how they may wish to review that entire policy but if it is that they were to shift some of the cost responsibility to the actual direct beneficiaries, if it is shifted to them we will still have to look and see what provision would we make for persons who do not have financial means but needs to further their education,” said Dr Dawson.

47 Responses to “Dr Karl Dawson blasts Govt for poor financing of HLSCC”

  • vip (13/10/2014, 08:41) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    The ndp is no good....bottom line!
  • Boss (13/10/2014, 09:04) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Boss shut up and hold on to your job. The writing is already on the wall. When you look in the next few months the headlines say. "Dawson out somebody in" I'm no DR but I can spot a trend.
  • ccc (13/10/2014, 09:06) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply

    Well saw M..on has killed everything in site

  • Yes Sah! (13/10/2014, 09:26) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    It's about time, I knew this was coming! You can't give everyone free education. In fact, who subsidizes the money for all those free students? Just a few points to consider.
  • HLSCC (13/10/2014, 09:29) Like (22) Dislike (32) Reply
    The college don't need a damn dime! The Government needs to take back the free education for ALL locals. It should be reserved for Honor students and those really serious about their Education. Thereafter, they need to conduct an HR Review and cut the fat from around the College. It's a free for all over there and lots of monies being wasted. Government can assist the College where necessary but there's no way the Government should e pumping millions into that institution annually. If the College cannot sustain itself then we should partner with a private educational institution so that they can operate the college.
    • Read and understand (13/10/2014, 15:09) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
      Reading is fundamental! The free education is what he is talking about.
  • The TRUTH (13/10/2014, 09:32) Like (21) Dislike (4) Reply
    How about you dingbats charge for tuition like every other college does and like you did before it became a political tactic to gain votes?
  • pat (13/10/2014, 09:34) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Am I reading this correctly? Dr. Dawson I trust that you are not victimized
  • chad (13/10/2014, 09:34) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply

    What the president saying is so true. Although M..on promoting differently, he is killing the college in many ways. Now that the president of HLSCC is speakimg out then you know he will be eliminated by the bald headed minister.

  • Ah saw (13/10/2014, 09:37) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    One good thing Myron good at is marketing but when you go to see if what he is saying is really so then is when you find out that he is just an impressionist. This is so for the college, the schools & everything under him.
    • @ Ah saw (13/10/2014, 12:10) Like (13) Dislike (5) Reply
      Ah saw: Hear me, myrun time is coming to an end. His do nothing but market himself mentallity will NOT serve this Country much longer.

  • Sojourner (13/10/2014, 09:41) Like (25) Dislike (1) Reply
    Dr. Dawson might have a point in saying that the government should better fund HLSCC but he also needs to be clear that more funding does not necessarily make the college better. There are a host of things that must be addressed in addition to more funding. He has not done an adequate job in leading or preparing the college for challenges ahead. He needs to take a good look at himself and his administration to see where the real problem lies. Everybody likes to cry out for more money as if money fixes problems. You have to chart the course and be able to explain and show where and how more money would benefit the college. We like to blame the Minister of Education because it is convenient to do so and because we know that many in the community jump as they see or hear criticisms of the government whether it be VIP or NDP. Blaming the government has become the clarion call for people's ineptitude. We need to stop blaming and take responsibility and attend to our inadequacies.
    • ting to talk (13/10/2014, 13:39) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
      Truth be told money is an issue at HLSCC. However, the administration has not been a good steward of he money it receives. Why give you more when you don't know how to prioritize with what you got. Three or four new vehicles the beginning of the year lined up on the lawn like it is a car delarship. Speak the truth and not just the side you want the public to know.
    • Rammangal (13/10/2014, 13:44) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
      Your comment is ill-advised. Take a look at the accreditation requirements including financial requirements. Then look at the deplorable condition of buildings, dilapidated trailer classrooms and then come back here on the blog and comment. Depriving the college of funds will not help the country.
      • ting to talk (14/10/2014, 14:38) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        Exactly Rammangal... You seem to have a problem comprehending ENGLISH as written. You have stated in your response that there buildings are in deplorable condition, dilapidated trailer classrooms. You had money and you chose to buy new vehicles. In other words for the ENGLISH challenged, if those things that you stated were priority then you would have fixed them instead of buying these new vehicles... CHA!!!!!!
  • Clearly (13/10/2014, 09:41) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply

    It is clear that from behind the scenes M..on has set up the college to fail so he can say it is because of Dr. Dawson. This method he feels will work & get the public on his side so it will be easier to fire the now president. What a wicked man.

  • Steve (13/10/2014, 09:55) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    I CAN HEAR THEM NOW: Boy mvw tink ah fool or wah he tellin we, he doin tis and dat for education and dem teachers sayin something elese who to believe? Ah dun-no if they goh da ting or not next elections… ah nuh goin to dey polls !
  • Responsible (13/10/2014, 09:56) Like (8) Dislike (6) Reply
    He been there to long not earned a cent, hand outs only, college should be self financing by now. Tax $ for secondary schools like every other country. Excuses in advance for accreditation failure.
    • Tim (13/10/2014, 11:00) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
      We seem to forget that almost every one is going to the college for free. With this in mind, how do we expect the college to generate funding? And if the Government is not funding enough, don't we expect there will be problems?
      • eeee (13/10/2014, 12:02) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        Only BV Islanders go to the college for free. We pay for registration and buy our books, if we fail a class we have to pay to take it thee next semester, non belongers living here and those overseas students pay tuition
  • Queen Mary (13/10/2014, 10:37) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    It would give perspective if Mr Dawson give a report on the contibution made towards funding as a result of fund raising,alumni contribution, benefactors ,grants and other private sources.
    Unless, of course it is the policy that the College is to be funded solely by Gov.
  • just saying..... (13/10/2014, 10:44) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    both karl and Myron need to go not good for education!
  • --------------- (13/10/2014, 11:00) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a very serious issue and needs to be taken very seriously.

  • one more time (13/10/2014, 11:39) Like (30) Dislike (7) Reply
    Please, lets be realistic, the NDp got the country broke and hurt!!!
    • Really? (13/10/2014, 14:26) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      So where is all the money that went into the reserved fund? I know that we were broke 4 years ago but not so sure right now.
      • moomm (14/10/2014, 07:44) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
        Reserved funds not for college. listen to its label. it us reserved..
  • tretretrete (13/10/2014, 11:41) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Based on some of the comments, I can tell that most of you are not reading and comprehending what is being said. Government is NOT funding HLSCC, what is happening is that they are not paying the outstanding debt that they've incurred over the years as it relates to this free tuition thing. I agree with 'HLSCC's comment that free tuition should only be applicable to honor students to cut down on the unnecessary costs to Gov't for students who are not serious about their education. As Dr. Dawson said, Government NEEDS to review their policy in this regard. HLSCC is doing holding up their end of the bargain by providing education but obviously for free since the Gov't who owes them so much money is not paying in a timely manner. How many of you can pay your bills with an I OWE YOU?
    • ABC (13/10/2014, 12:50) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
      Well something so simple and he cannot explain it as succinctly as you did?
      Is he afraid to say that the VIP who left the treasury empty including the millions in reservr did not pay for 8years and that there is pilleup and arrears ..He needs to step down do that we can find out and know what time it is..
  • Guest (13/10/2014, 11:48) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    I do not really care about the minister we will take care of he next elections, but its the youth will suffer
  • You Are Fired (13/10/2014, 12:36) Like (9) Dislike (5) Reply
    In the real world of Academia, a college President who fails to keep the college adequately funded, is promptly .dismissed.
    Based on your own words,you are a failure and should submit your resignation.
    No matter how good an Administrator a College President is worth his salt based on his ability to fill the treasury of the college...investments,fund raising and whatever it takes.
    I am not understanding what you are about...your job description must be one like no other college head, but I would have to see it to believe. You are the weakest link. GOOD BYE!
  • QueenMary (13/10/2014, 12:57) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is very dishonest and disrespectful to evaluate others as idiots who cannot read nor comprehend. The typical %&&- Where does it say in the article that the Gov has failed to pay money owed? Not said nor implied so stop with the pulling wool over eyes game.
  • student (13/10/2014, 13:02) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    There is a lot of repairs needed at the college in the main building , the roof is leaking in two areas.this need serious attention its very shameful the build has been deteriorate over the years and nothing has been done. all these consultants been paid handsomely take some of that money and fix the college.
    • time will tell (13/10/2014, 22:02) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
      Are you talking about the money spent on the drag racing consultation or the medical school? These could have been paid to the college by VIP and Andrew too but everyone conveniently forgets. Not a vote of mine for VIP come election day!!!! NOT ONE..my memory too long..
  • give back (13/10/2014, 15:42) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Most colleges and universities worldwide are funded in part by past students. All students, especially those who got an education for free need to create a fund to assist the college. $100 or more a year could go a long way to ensuring that future students get the same opportunity of existing and past students.

    We always want Government to do for us, when are we to do for ourselves and other after getting it for free.
  • name (13/10/2014, 16:41) Like (0) Dislike (7) Reply
    Dr. Dawson is my Doctor and counsellor. This guy is smart I can tell.
    Now I wish he could head the medical admin at the hospital,
  • facts man (13/10/2014, 17:15) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    see the ball head man so wicked that the lord send a storm to stop the opening of ah tech school on private property
  • JACK BE STILL (13/10/2014, 19:57) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply

    Good to see and hear we have have some HEADS OF M..ON DEPTS willing to take a stance.

    • Queen Mary (14/10/2014, 07:58) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
      for real God Bless you Mr. Dawson . So proud of you that you have the Balls... To stand up and speak the truth.
      • Queen Mary (Authentic) (14/10/2014, 15:18) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
        Using my nickname to praise Mr Dawson, then I must explain.
        My opinion for real is that based on what Mr Dawson has said and hearing about the kinks at the College and interacting with some of the graduates who need to return to Grammar school, the College has failed in many areas. Mr Dawson's defense is blaming the Gov. when it is common knowledge that the College is not a welfare program. The college President has not even hinted at the possibility that he has made efforts to gain funds from private sources for the College. Education from entry to college in the VI needs a boost if it is to serve the future successfully. What it takes will require courage and may not be always be popular but the future of the VI takes priority.
  • @@@@@@ (13/10/2014, 20:23) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    Hear Hear and thank you karl for your moral compass
  • cbs (14/10/2014, 23:44) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dawson old boy, that lady is bigger than you. She may not have a leg to stand on but she can delive a bigger punch than you.
  • Virgin Son (15/10/2014, 05:50) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    I think Dr. Karl is doing a good job, He inherited years of incompetence - he's working his way through it



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