Trinidad businesswoman opposes housing Grenadian students
by Marcia Braveboy
Monday, October 11, 2004
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: Businesswoman and
President of the San Juan Business Association says it is not a good idea for
Trinidad to accept Grenadian students. since she believe it may affect them
negatively. In speaking to Caribbean Net
News, Ms. Gail Mahair said that the students may end up being displaced and
posed the question, “Are they going to be comfortable?”
She says, “Moving them from their unique
culture and homes while they are still traumatized as a result of the passage
of Ivan can create a poor environment for studying.”
Writing the Common Entrance, CXC and “A” Level examinations under those
abnormal circumstances is inappropriate says Ms. Mahair. “I’m not certain that
if the students come here, that they will perform in the manner that we expect
them to,” she said.
Ms. Mahair added, “The examinations council defers the exams only for
Grenadian students.” She considers this a good idea and said that other
factors must be taken into consideration. Ms.
Mahair told Caribbean Net New that schools in Trinidad and Tobago are already
overcrowded. “You have to look at all the factors that contribute to a child’s
education, besides just giving them an academic seating in a class room. There
are implications and the positions of teachers in Trinidad and Tobago cannot
be overlooked where they are faced with the burden of overcrowded classes,”
she said. “These children who are away from
their parents and away from their homeland are going to experience a whole new
different culture; and who is going guide them? They really need personalized
attention. Although I think this is an admirable idea by the Trinidad and
Tobago Government and society, we really need to provide them with an
excellent sort of education,” says Ms. Mahair.
Since Hurricane Ivan swirled its violent winds through the island of Grenada
on September 7 and uprooted trees, infrastructure and the self respect of the
people, Caribbean neighbours have been reaching out with outstretched arms and
with Trinidad and Tobago leading this regional choir, aid has been pouring
into the island; CARICOM members have opened their doors to house and school
the Grenadian students looking to sit the 2005 examinations at various levels.
But Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell and Minister for Education
Clarice Charles have been appealing for the students not to leave their
country. The Prime Minister said, “The teenage years of a child are crucial
and readjusting to a different culture and environment at this time especially
in a traumatised state will not be the best exercise at the moment.”
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