Dear Editor,
Everyone makes mistakes and sometimes takes a while to gain equilibrium in his or her line of duty. But, if the situation persists and the inability to perform one’s function comes into question, then this condition is critical – one that is impeding the progress of quality education and growth of this nation.
The manner, in which Public Education is being managed, reflects symptoms of total incompetence and lackadaisical attitude of the person in charge of this section of the ministry. This is a perfect example of a political appointment that has come back to haunt Government. However, this state of affairs can only be prolonged when the Minister of Education allows it to happen. After listening to last week’s Council of Minister’s press briefing, I am convinced that Minister Silveria Jacobs is distracted and completely out of touch with the reality within education.
When I heard the Minister say that she cannot intervene but has to let due diligence takes its course, she has just confirmed my view that the Division Head of Education is indeed the one who is in charge of the Ministry of Education. Minister, this process of due diligence has been in motion since 2012. How long will you allow this inefficiency and frustration of teachers to continue? Minister Jacobs, I’ve tried very hard not to make my perception of this situation public, but when I heard several disgruntled persons declare that you and Minister Emil Lee are heading straight for a vote of no confidence, it was time to make my thoughts known.
As I stated in my preceding article, the biggest blow to your ministry was your failure to publicise the process that was hijacked back in 2012. This situation has caused an unsettling feeling of distrust. Hence, with all due respect to the Governor, whom I’m very fond of, I do not to listen to any of his speeches because of this very situation. It does not matter if the circumstance surrounds a family member, the same procedure and degree of integrity must be applied.
Minister, do you realise that if you continue on this trend of due diligence, that the person in question would be retired before you could make any significant changes? And, that you would have contributed directly to the stagnation of education, the very entity that you are trying to promote? Is this the path that you have chosen Minister, and are you feeling comfortable with your decision?
Minister, in light of this disquieting situation, you really need to step out of your air-conditioned office and spend quality time with teachers, students, parents and administrators, in order to get first-hand experience of the real challenges that they are facing. It is so strange that when you were about to take up your post for the very first time, you encouraged teachers to stay in touch with you to maintain that close relationship. Now, all that openness has dissolved, ever since you have resumed your second term. Why is that Minister?
Furthermore, when a ministry is in crisis, part of the strategy of restructuring the institution is having the willingness to listen and to be open to counsel. This neglect has been the downfall of some politicians, who have great potential, but chose to be misled by their ego. Don’t let this be your legacy Minister Jacobs. In addition, a minister with vision of the 21st century chooses the most competent support group, based on qualifications, thinking capacities and a natural ability to communicate with the community. This continuous tendency of hiring friends and families, are what is hampering the progression of Government, because too often their contribution does not align with the demands of this evolving world.
Another striking comment was the issue of policies. Everything now is about this or that policy within the Ministry of Education, as if there were none before. How is it that the ministers, who are new to their functions, are taking immediate actions to improve their individual ministries? How come they are not stuck on policies? Do you need a policy to build toilet facilities on the Belvedere playground? Do you also need a policy to hold an island-wide awareness campaign of sexual abuse of minors? Perhaps it is easier to support an illusion that came into Parliament, but one of these days, the community will know the real truth to that story.
Minister Jacobs, the sphere of influence is in the palm of your hand. What is your decision? Is it to remain in the position of powerlessness or will you become that constant source of inspiration, for those whom you have the opportunity to serve?
Joslyn Morton
