School fetes affect district residents

THE EDITOR: I would like to add my voice to hundreds of tormented neighbours who live next to primary schools situated in residential areas. On December 13, 2003 a district school had a fete with loud grating bass music, alcohol, and bright lights. This daylight fete started at 11 in the morning and went non-stop to 10 pm in the night. Neighbours were blasted with 11 hours of unsolicited, unwanted and unwelcome fete music to celebrate a teachers’ function. The security guard told us there was no permission granted by the Police, EMA and the Courts.

The neighbours were not warned of this planned traumatic event. My parents had a prayer meeting planned for the said Saturday. I must say that this spoiled our prayers and my mom broke down in tears. The Ministry of Education needs to wake up and deal with this. Neighbours are afraid to come forward and complain. Even when the teachers are not in school, then the security guard continues to blast the neighbourhood with bass noise. What kind of examples are these teachers setting for the children they allegedly teach. It is no wonder students have started to react violently. Students are not attacking teachers whom they perceive as uncaring, wicked and selfish. Students are aware that the Minister of Education has failed in controlling and disciplining highly-paid uncaring principals and teachers. They (the students) have to discipline teachers themselves. Is it possible that the teachers who have nearly six months of possible leave (sick, casual, vacation, study etc) tend to have too much slack so they can do mischief?

MILDRED KWAME
Belle Smythe Street
Curepe