Garcia: No decision taken yet

Speaking after the post-Cabinet news conference at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s, Garcia said consultations with key stakeholders on this issue will take place over the next two weeks, “before we get back to the principals.” Reiterating that the ministry only received this proposal on Wednesday, Garcia said it is yet to be studied in detail.

He said this will happen on Monday at a meeting with the Chief Education Officer and other ministry officials.

Following this, Garcia said meetings will be arranged with TTTUTA and the National Parent Teachers Association (NPTA). The minister said the views of teachers and parents in particular are critical in reaching a final decision.

Admitting that several issues have been raised over the last 24 hours regarding this proposal, Garcia said, “We feel the parents have an important part to play in all aspects of education. Where this is concerned, we would want to have consultations with parents before going forward.” He continued, “We have to engage in some in depth discussions on all these issues which have now been presenting themselves.

As soon as we have completed our discussions, we would be better able to make a pronouncement.” Garcia said the proposal has merit.

Regarding a problem with laboratory facilities at the San Juan South Secondary School, Garcia said a contractor has been selected to refurbish those facilities and he hoped this would be done in the not too distant future.