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No one ranting & raving about school dropouts – Wheatley

- 7th district candidate says dropout is unacceptable
Allen Wheatley is an independent candidate contesting the 7th district seat. Photo: VINO
Allen Wheatley at the Francis Lettsome Primary School looking on as a student enters the school.
Allen Wheatley at the Francis Lettsome Primary School looking on as a student enters the school.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Youth advocate and 7th district candidate Allen Wheatley finds dropping out of school is unacceptable and is worried that “nobody is ranting and raving about it”.

The independent candidate, who officially launched his campaign two weeks ago at the Stickett in Long Look, alluded to the fact that education is being taken for granted, which is a catalyst for the crime situation in the Territory.

“We are taking education for granted in this country. It is more cool to be a dropout, and when you become a dropout you are accepted than when you graduate from High School,” Mr. Wheatley said.

He added, “I as a leader have to say that dropping out of school is not acceptable. I have taken an interest in each and every child in this community and see about helping them and their parents get through the education system. It is my duty as a leader to help parents get their children through school. It isn’t about school supplies it is about other things that go into the equation.”

He asked his supporters to research the rate of dropouts recorded in the district for the past 10 years and they will see the number has increased when compared to previous years.

“...and still nobody ranting and raving about it. It’s a serious problem, if you don’t have the skills to get a job, nobody is going to employ you,” he added. “And when you look at the statistics, when you look at the schools especially Francis Lettsome it is very successful in academics, very successful...it has to do with the attention being paid. Parents have something to do with it, the schools have something to do with it, but also your leadership has something to do with it, the leadership has to set the standard.”

Therefore, it is imperative that as leaders to make it their business to impart the knowledge to youths that “the best of them is not to trade drugs. That is not the best coming out of Long Look...we can do”, Mr. Wheatley said.

He is one of three candidates vying for the 7th district seat. The other two are the incumbent Dr. Kedrick Pickering and Ronnie Lettsome, who is running with the Virgin Islands Party (VIP).

15 Responses to “No one ranting & raving about school dropouts – Wheatley”

  • sit down (18/10/2011, 08:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Allen if you read the blogs, if you listen to the non governmental politicians you will hear the many comments about Minister Fudges exaggerated pass rate. Apart from Staunch VIP voters i am not sure that anyone is happy with the educational standards of this country - its not just you. I dont see what you added in this debate.
  • release (18/10/2011, 09:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    ayo better stop sleeping on allen and bevis..one of the two might just win the elections
  • Good Point (18/10/2011, 09:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow, one of the only sensible commentaries I have heard from any of these aspiring politicians.
    • Amen To Dat (18/10/2011, 15:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      If this is the only good point you have heard or read thus far, your head probably has been in the sand like the ostrich. This candidate made a lot of very good points in the last month or two
    • Jan (19/10/2011, 12:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      While Alen is making soooooo much sense, but he confuses me. One has to live in the Long Look/East End district to really know what this guy is about. The very things he speaks about are the things he encourages. He also needs to remember that alcohol is a drug too. I will say no more because I know that it will not be posted. Trust is important. It makes no sense preaching if your are not going to set an example. One simply cannot preach ethics unless he is willing to live the life.
  • --- (18/10/2011, 10:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Allen is correct "It isn’t about school supplies it is about other things that go into the equation.” It's time to find out what the real issues and problems are facing children dropping out of the education system. That along with the issue of building a modern public library acssessible to all need to be looked at to imporve our society.
  • yellow (18/10/2011, 10:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    good try allen but its sad you will not beat the cuban who really needs to go....
  • porgie (18/10/2011, 11:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is retarded.
  • Kilpatrick (18/10/2011, 11:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Laws for the financial support of children have a lot to do with it too.
  • Worth Looking (18/10/2011, 11:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We all know of this man's intelligence and abilities and he has continued to bring very worthwhile issues to the table. If i was in his district i would certainly pay attention to what he had to say. He is worth looking at. I know many will revert to his past issues but someone said it great on one of these chats yesterday - JUDGE MATHIS - How many of us flock to go see him when he came here to visit? How many watch his courtroom on TV? The esteemed Judge also has a"past" but is what he did with his present and future is what really matters. More power to you Allen.
    • Silent assassin (18/10/2011, 21:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Amen!! To that...
    • Leave the Past behind (19/10/2011, 03:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I don't know why people always jumping on Allen's past when the majority of our politicians have committed more henious crimes against us tax payers and blatantly continues to committed crimes against us through their corrupt behaviour. Leave him alone. He is no worse than those we continue to vote for. In fact in terms of intelligence and ideas very few if any can touch him.
  • Truth be Told (19/10/2011, 08:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I would like a chance to tell the people that this man, appears to be the only one that has your country at heart. Many may have the flamboyant words and the crowd but it’s always easy to point a finger. A lot of ill words is being uttered about his past but "Who does not have a past?" I have a past but it didn't change my course in life. The bible says, "he who is without sin cast the first stone" and none could have cast a stone. Failing to elect someone that is seeking the betterment of the BVI, is equivalent to sitting back, and watching your house get washed out to sea. The next 4-5 years are critical globally. It’s not just the economic crisis, its critical on all levels, health, social welfare, etc...everything is interrelated, when it pertains to smaller countries especially. Hence, it is very important to not select officials based on popularity but potential to better your country. Brain power to strategise and avoid damages to a growing society. All I say to the people of the British Virgin Islands this man has vision. He should actually be the advisor to the Premier. To the Hon. Premier, you need this man on your side.
    • Philip (19/10/2011, 12:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Alen has his own interest at heart, and he is already on the Premier's side.
  • Uh HuH (19/10/2011, 10:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Question... I ain't against Allen nor in Bevis' interest but why are people excusing Allen for his past and seemingly killing Bevis? Or is it just them Platinum bloggers knowing its a threat to the NDP's candidate (well all the candidates)? I think they both have excellent points and we the voters of the 7th and 8th district should pay attention.


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