PHILIPSBURG:--- Opposition Members of Parliament expressed deep concern and demanded urgent reform following a presentation by the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport (ECYS), Melissa Gumbs. The presentation, which laid out data regarding the current state of the country's educational system, prompted reactions ranging from shock to demands for immediate strategic planning.
The gravity of the situation was highlighted by a former Minister of Education, now sitting as an MP, Lyndon Lewis, who suggested the data was so "troubling" that the meeting perhaps should have been held behind closed doors.
“I believe this meeting should have been a closed-door meeting,” the MP stated, addressing Minister Gumbs directly. “Especially with the results and the data that I’ve gotten today... Minister, I feel your pain.”
The former Minister emphasized that while socioeconomic factors like parents working two jobs are valid challenges, they cannot become excuses for a failing system. Drawing a comparison to the northern side of the island, the MP questioned why students there seem to master languages effectively while the local system struggles. The MP also raised concerns about teacher motivation, suggesting that feedback from parents indicates some educators are merely "working for a salary" rather than investing in student success.
Demands for a Concrete Plan
The discussion on the floor quickly turned to fiscal responsibility and strategy. MP Francisco Lacroes issued a stern warning regarding the education budget, demanding a clear roadmap before any funds are approved.
“The previous speaker took the words right out of my mouth, but I want to go a step further,” MP Lacroes told the Parliament. “If we are to see an increase in the ECYS budget, we need a clear plan from the Minister on where and how these funds will be spent.”
MP Lacroes was emphatic that budget cuts were not an option he would entertain, urging the Minister of Finance to collaborate closely with Minister Gumbs to find revenue-generating measures. “Don’t even whisper that to me,” he said regarding potential cuts. “If the minister has a plan, please bring that plan to Parliament... because this is unacceptable.”
Calls for Diversification
MP Omar Ottley focused his critique on the rigid structure of the current educational system, arguing that it fails to account for the diverse talents of the youth. He expressed embarrassment over previous statistics regarding illiteracy rates cited by the Prime Minister and called for a shift in perspective.
“We are judging each and every child with the same performance stick and that should never be,” Ottley argued. “While systematic education is important, building our community is more important.”
Ottley pushed for a stronger emphasis on vocational training, citing the National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA) as a vital asset. He warned against a "one-track mind" that prioritizes traditional academic paths like law or medicine over essential trades such as carpentry, mechanics, and masonry.
To illustrate his point, Ottley shared an anecdote about a student labeled as "autistic" by the school system who possessed "borderline genius" mathematical abilities but was at risk of falling through the cracks because he did not fit the standard academic mold.
“If we go on the school system with blinders on, you’re going to take this kid... and the child gets lost on the wayside,” Ottley cautioned. He urged the Ministry to adopt a philosophy of diversification to ensure students who are not academically inclined but are gifted in other areas can still contribute to "country building."
Willingness to Collaborate
Despite the sharp criticisms, the opposition members expressed a willingness to work across the aisle to solve the crisis. The former Minister of Education offered to participate in committees or caucuses to develop initiatives that would make "education attractive again."
“I come here to step on nobody’s toes, but the reality is the reality,” the MP concluded. “Everybody has to put in their work to make sure that our leaders of tomorrow are brought up to par.”