Hon de Castro slams Hon Turnbull for 'playing politics' with playground donation
The minister stated that this incident would not have occurred if Hon Turnbull had followed the proper procedures.
VINO previously reported that playground equipment placed on the grounds of Ivan Dawson Primary School in Cane Garden Bay by Hon Turnbull was ordered removed on January 28, 2026, due to alleged failure to follow established procedures.
The playground was donated by a corporate entity in the Virgin Islands through the Second District Committee to replace the old playground at the school. The materials for the playground were delivered to Ivan Dawson Primary School on January 27, 2026, after, according to Hon Turnbull, he was unable to get any clear communication from the Education Ministry, and the container with the playground equipment was accumulating wharfage fees.
Minister wrote to Hon Turnbull
In a statement on January 29, 2026, the minister explained that on December 19, the ministry had formally communicated its position- both verbally and in writing- through the permanent secretary, who is the accounting officer for the ministry. The communication indicated that the required documentation had not been submitted and that the ministry already had plans in place, stating that the process should not proceed outside of policy.
However, the Second District Representative did not accept this decision and went ahead with placing the playground equipment on the school's compound.
Hon de Castro noted that after the ministry’s communication in December, they invited both Hon Turnbull and the potential donor for discussions to explore alternative initiatives that could benefit the students and the wider community in the Second District.
Issue remains unresolved
The minister added that the first official correspondence from Hon Turnbull was received on January 12, 2026. By that time, the ministry had already articulated its position on December 19, 2025. That letter appealed for reconsideration of the decision, as no formal correspondence with the required documentation had ever been submitted.
She stated, "Today, this remains outstanding."
The minister also revealed that on January 16, Hon Turnbull indicated he would seek an alternative site, which preceded the events of January 27. The ministry learned that playground equipment had been delivered to the school after hours on January 27, without the ministry's knowledge or authorisation.
Items left exposed
"The items were also left exposed to the elements, raising safety and liability concerns, as schools are active environments with students and staff present daily. Unapproved materials on campus, without oversight or safety checks, pose risks to students and staff. The permanent secretary attempted to contact the honourable member on the morning of the 28th, but the call was not answered. For these reasons, the ministry took the responsible step to have the equipment removed from the school property."
The minister emphasised that such a public display should never have happened at a school. "Schools are places of learning. Politics should not enter or influence playgrounds. What occurred was unfortunate and politically driven, and I say that with a heavy heart, because all children deserve better examples."
School will receive its playground
As indicated in the 2026 schedule, Ivan Dawson Primary School will receive its playground as planned, with installations scheduled during school breaks for safety reasons. The ministry remains open to discussions about the alternative placement of the playground, as suggested by the member. However, clarity is needed on compliance details and costs in line with policy.
The ministries are also willing to have a licensed installation specialist assess the equipment to ensure it is safe and meets the required standards.
See related article below:
D2 Rep accused of putting playground @ Ivan Dawson school without authorisation
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7 Responses to “Hon de Castro slams Hon Turnbull for 'playing politics' with playground donation”
Both playing politics. Bureacracy and red tape will be the death of these little Virgin Islands. Leave the darned Playground and Mitch just submit the 50 page documentation after the fact since clearly there was missed communication. But this whole roogoodoo is completely unnecessary and pure BS by both parties. We need people who make things happen and not "protocallers". Our small community cant afford this red tape and political grandstanding. If there is a pot hole in the road just fill the darned pothole and submit the record immediately after. Dont tell me we have to sit there and allow 1,000 cars to be damaged by dropping in the pot hole while we wait ofr the proper protocol. BS!