Some parents upset over inconvenience, but union commends decision
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Under the latest restrictive measures announced by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday, schools on New Providence and Abaco may only proceed virtually.
With COVID-19 cases on the two islands continuing to increase steadily, Minnis advised that for now, there will be no in-person learning for students.
The new measure does not impact schools on Grand Bahama or other Family Islands.
Scores of students officially began the fall semester on Monday, with a week of face-to-face and virtual orientations planned.
The orientations planned for the week were to allow all students and educators to access and learn all facets of the new educational virtual platform.
Some private schools throughout the country began in-person classes last month.
Following the prime minister’s announcement, several parents took to social media to express their frustration and anger over the decision.
One mother said she was beyond frustrated by the news, given that she has spent thousands of dollars preparing her child for face-to-face learning.
“It’s honestly annoying because I took my child out of the regular private school system and put her in the home school system because I wanted her to do face-to-face learning, which cost me a lot of money,” said Keisha Greene, whose name has been changed.
“Now for the prime minister to stop face-to-face learning, it’s very inconvenient, especially as a working mother.
“Now I have to find someone to watch her during the day time because now her school has reverted to online learning. It’s just an inconvenience, schools just opened.
“I spent all kinds of money getting her ready for school and now it’s just a waste.”
Greene said it seems like there’s no end to the pandemic or the government’s restrictions.
“The minute that it opens, we close again,” she said.
“What is the point of even preparing for school, if we are going to have to close in a couple of weeks.”
She added that schools either need to stay fully virtual or close until January.
Greene continued: “Lockdowns seem to be the only solution the government has. It’s dumb.
“I had no problem with the lockdowns initially but I agree with international health organizations that say lockdowns should only be necessary for countries with failing healthcare systems to be able to get it up to par.
“We clearly didn’t use the lockdowns to fix whatever issues we had at the hospital.
“It just seems as though the prime minister has no plan and no idea what to do.”
The government previously announced that as the country continues to grapple with the virus, the opening of the new school year would utilize a blended model with virtual and in-person education for schools across the country.
Education Minister Jeffrey Lloyd has continuously said that the situation remains fluid, with changes occurring based on the competent authority’s orders under the advice of health officials.
Yesterday, Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) President Belinda Wilson said she was pleased by the decision for schools on New Providence and Abaco to be fully virtual.
“It is the Bahamas Union of Teachers expectation that the Ministry of Education will provide the union and teachers with the Virtual platform details.
“In fact, we had two New Providence schools impacted today, with positive COVID-19 cases.
“Excellent decision by the Competent Authority. Teachers and students remain safe.”
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