Education
Elmore Stoutt High School Teachers On “Sit-In” Protest Over Poor Working Conditions
– It’s Day 5 of the 2023-2024 School Year
More than fifty teachers at the Elmore Stoutt High School in Road Town, Tortola have staged a Sit-In” protest over poor working conditions.
The September 15 protest involved educators from multiple departments leaving their classrooms at 1:00 p.m. and converging under the “Big Tent” in the area of the L. Adorothy Turnbull Building.
Several frustrated teachers contacted JTV to explain why they have decided to stage a “Sit-In” on the fifth official day of school.
“This is a sit-in because it’s not a case where we don’t want to work, it’s a situation that we need to be able to work in comfortable circumstances. We have many many many issues. This is serious,” one teacher shared.
The group said while there are several pressing issues, one that really angers them is teachers and students having to walk through “waist-high grass” to access the technical department.
Additionally, classrooms are very hot because the air-conditioning units badly need repairs.
The teachers are currently in talks with Premier and Finance Minister Natalio Wheatley.
There are more than 150 educators teaching 1,400 students at the Elmore Stoutt High School, the territory’s main secondary institution.
Education
`Stay in School’ Message Echoed at Willock’s D3 Back to School 2024
Former Speaker of the House of Assembly and Third District resident, Mr. Julian Willock, delivered on his annual promise of giving back to the community with his 2024 Back to School initiative. Under the theme “3 hours, 3 schools, District 3,” Willock and his team made donations to three schools in Sea Cows Bay, reinforcing the importance of education for the youth.
The event kicked off at the Seventh-day Adventist School, continued at St. George’s Secondary School and concluded at Ebenezer Thomas Primary School. During each stop, Willock and his District Three Committee handed over books, bags and essential school supplies to help students in the upcoming academic year.
Accompanying Willock were two prominent members of his 30-member committee: businessman Ricky E. Conner, owner of the local band OMG, and former firefighter Joseph A. Fahie, both from the Sea Cows Bay community. Speaking to the students, Conner emphasised the critical role education plays in shaping the future, urging them to stay in school and work toward becoming the next generation of legislators, entrepreneurs, and professionals. “You are the future leaders, and your education is the key to those dreams,” Conner told the students.
Fahie shared personal reflections, recalling his school days when supplies were scarce. He expressed his pride in being part of a committee that ensures today’s students have the resources needed to succeed. “I didn’t always have books or bags growing up, so I’m honored to help make a difference for students now,” Fahie remarked.
Willock explained that the donations were made directly to the schools, allowing teachers and administrators to distribute supplies to students facing challenges throughout the 2024/2025 academic year. The goal, he said, was to make sure no child is left behind due to lack of resources.
The principals and representatives of the participating schools were on hand to receive the donations. Representing the Seventh-day Adventist School was High School Supervisor Mr. Ron E. Hemerding, while St. George’s Principal Ms. Odalys Gonzalez accepted on behalf of her school. Ebenezer Thomas Primary School was represented by Zubida K. O’Neal, Instructional Leader of Mathematics, on behalf of Principal Ms. Ashkisha N. Maduro.
The event was made possible through sponsorship from local businesses, including Nanny Cay Resort, BDO Limited, Northam Construction, IAM Jet Centre, Gumption’s Experience BVI, and Nagico Insurance, with additional support from Willock’s Third District Committee and Ms. Kishma P. Forbes of Virgin Islands School and Office Supplies.
Education
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