Blind School will reopen

Kenneth Suratt, Executive officer of the Blind Welfare Association stated, “We will try our best not to deny children of their education.” Kenneth Munroe Brown, chairman of the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, said, “If the ongoing dispute does not hinder the opening, it may affect the quality of education students receive.” Suratt said that the cause of the dispute is Mundy’s unwillingness to work together with the association.

He also stated that the Ministry of Education realised this, and therefore appointed a mediator through which the two parties can communicate. The association is also seeking the removal of the principal.

In a press release by the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, it is stated that some of the locks to the gates of the compound are being cut without the approval of the principal.

Suratt however stated that the association has proprietary rights and they are in the process of removing and resetting locks in the domestic area of the school. He said this is being done because Mundy is setting up offices in that area.

The domestic area is a cause of conflict as the association and Mundy have different views on its provision. Suratt said, “This service is for students who live in far areas. It is provided Monday to Friday.” Mundy however is against this.

Brown said, the Ministry of Education needs to stand up for Mundy and the school.

They need to bring both parties around the table with a mediator and allow them to list their grievances, “There must be calm on both sides.” He also said it is the right of the students to have a comfortable learning environment.