Penn To Premier: Close All Schools
A call has been made to the Hon. Andrew Fahie-led administration to close all schools for the next 30 to 60 days, in light of the the coronavirus COVID-19, currently affecting the region and the rest of the world.
That call is coming from Opposition Leader and Eighth District Representative, Hon. Marlon Penn.
Hon. Penn was at the time addressing members of the press and public during a live press conference on Monday, 16 March 2020 at the House of Assembly’s Conference Room.
“The young persons amongst us are suggested as being the carriers, and their risk is too great to do otherwise. The safest thing to do and we are already on the cusp of Easter break which would normally have a two-week break anyway is just bite the bullet and send the students home,” he said.
He added, “The time is now to close all public and private schools throughout the territory for the next 30 to 60 days as we go through this transitional period. Let’s be safe instead of being worried about the potential fallout.”
The Opposition Leader stated that he believes there are resources that are available in the British Virgin Islands to facilitate the move.
“The continuation of the learning process where possible can be facilitated through lesson plans shared with parents to perform home schoolings, and virtual classrooms where applicable,” he argued.
“We implore the government to take this very necessary step to keep our children and wider population safe,” he noted.
The opposition, however, said they supported some of the government’s plans being taken, but said there are areas that require more boots on the ground.
Hon. Penn was at the time addressing members of the press and public during a live press conference on Monday, 16 March 2020 at the House of Assembly’s Conference Room.
“The young persons amongst us are suggested as being the carriers, and their risk is too great to do otherwise. The safest thing to do and we are already on the cusp of Easter break which would normally have a two-week break anyway is just bite the bullet and send the students home,” he said.
He added, “The time is now to close all public and private schools throughout the territory for the next 30 to 60 days as we go through this transitional period. Let’s be safe instead of being worried about the potential fallout.”
The Opposition Leader stated that he believes there are resources that are available in the British Virgin Islands to facilitate the move.
“The continuation of the learning process where possible can be facilitated through lesson plans shared with parents to perform home schoolings, and virtual classrooms where applicable,” he argued.
“We implore the government to take this very necessary step to keep our children and wider population safe,” he noted.
The opposition, however, said they supported some of the government’s plans being taken, but said there are areas that require more boots on the ground.
