ministryofeducation

Friends of a young woman killed after her car crashed and hit a tree early Saturday morning, are grieving her loss.

“My sweet, smart, selfless Jada. I can’t believe this. I am in shock. I seriously cannot fathom this,” friend Quin Poitier lamented.

Poitier and other friends took to social media to honour the life of  23-year-old Jada Swann who was killed on West Bay Street, near Poop Deck restaurant when she attempted to overtake a vehicle while driving a 2019 Kia Rio.

Fire services used the Jaws of Life to pull her from the mangled car, but she died on the scene.

She and Poitier were friends for nine years and during their friendship, they often discussed life after death.

“It always felt like we grew up together,” Poitier said. “To know [her] is to love [her]. I wish I could change this.”

Swann was a 2017 Public School Scholar, an award granted by the Ministry of Education to graduates of public schools. She graduated from CV Bethel Senior High School, after which she studied at Monroe College in New York and recently obtained her Master’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University.

In 2018, it was no surprise she received the top award in Commerce after sitting the BGCSE examinations. She expressed that her plans were to be a successful businesswoman.

Public School Scholars Programme Administrator Monique Hinsey remembered her and expressed sorrow at her tragic death.

Jermeka Johnson, another friend of Swann said she “impacted so many lives and did it effortlessly.”

Vashti Aleisha echoed the sentiments. “To know [her] was to love [her]. She never got mad or loud or mean. [She was] the true meaning of elegance and grace and humility in person. [She was] always been kind, selfless, and a real light to everyone around [her].

Her friend from high school, Simeon Farquharson said his last conversation with Swann was Wednesday when they promised to catch up on Saturday, the day she died.

“[I’m] honestly bewildered,” he said. “I don’t know how to deal with this.”

Family and friends are grieving the sudden loss of a guidance counselor killed in a car crash off Queen’s Highway, Eleuthera on Friday.

“I am in complete disbelief and feel completely broken. I don’t know what else to say,” best friend D’Licia Taylor said.

Chara Major, a resident of Tarpum Bay, was killed after 5 pm in Salt Bluff when her grey Nissan Note hit a Casuarina tree. Images circulating social media show extensive damage to the vehicle from which she had to be extricated.

Taylor who was also her makeup artist remembers her infectious smile. “It’s hard to say goodbye. It’s really bad and I’m trying. I have so many questions…How am I supposed to do your brows, which lipstick you want…No more nothing? That smile and that grin…I just don’t know.”

The 27-year-old guidance counselor was recently posted at three primary schools in Eleuthera last year September–Emily G. Petty Primary, Emma Cooper Primary and James Cistern Primary Schools–where teachers said she “truly loved what she did and cherished her students and colleagues.”

Minister of Education Glenys Hanna-Martin expressed her sympathies on social media, describing Major’s death as “tremendous loss to the nation.”

After her tragic death, family members were trying to locate one of her beloved pet dogs named Tavari which she often took with her to makeup appointments. Her aunt Anthea Karagiannis said the dog was apparently removed from an apartment where she lived on the island.

“Tafari is a member of our family and we are further distraught to learn that we can not locate [him].”

Major graduated from St John’s College in Nassau, studied psychology at Winston Salem State University and soon returned home to begin her career, which was short-lived.

Principal Olivia Daxon went on vacation as teachers at Thelma Gibson Primary School continue to lobby for her dismissal.

In a press statement, Education Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin said the ministry consented to Daxon’s request for vacation leave.

The big story

Thelma Gibson Primary School was thrust into the spotlight following a conflict between Daxon and a teacher who alleged Daxon attacked her.

Since then other teachers have protested Daxon’s presence at the school, demonstrating in front of the Prime Minister’s Office and garnering 402 votes from parents to remove Daxon as principal. President of the Bahamas Union of Teachers Belinda Wilson says Daxon’s ‘leadership style, behavior and conduct’ breed contention.

Daxon was transferred from Carlton E Francis Primary School following tension with staff.

Why it matters

Teachers have refused to show up for work and Friday’s emergency meeting at the school was held to prompt teachers to go back to work. However, the meeting turned chaotic when Daxon’s children showed up and a brawl erupted.

What happens next?

The Minister of Education Glenys Hanna Martin has not made it clear what her ministry will do when Daxon returns from vacation. Will she continue as principal?

It remains to be seen how teachers will react to Daxon’s absence.

Picture credit: Facebook

School is back in session but teachers are worrying about one more thing besides lesson planning: hot classrooms with no air conditioning which makes teaching and learning near impossible.

Teachers took to social media to vent their frustrations and to plead for fans to cool their sweltering classrooms.

A teacher at Huntley Christie High School in North Andros, Antoine Duncombe said, “Ain’t no way learning can take place. The sun just feels like it’s sitting on earth this time around. These classrooms are hotter than before with two or three working ceiling fans, out of the six.

“This is not conditions teachers and students should have to bare…Please donate three fans for my classroom… We burning up and I out here dressed up daily in shirt and tie.”

Many classrooms in public schools hold approximately 30 students, making it difficult for natural air to blow through the room. And, many classrooms have only ceiling fans which may be inoperable.

It is common for some teachers to purchase fans, but they do nothing to beat the intolerable heat.

A teacher at C.H. Reeves Junior High in New Providence D’Metria Smith begged for assistance from social media users.  “This heat is criminal. Please donate four fans to my classroom.”

In another post, she implored again, “I need four fans please,” as Sharell Edwards of Anatol Rodgers High School solicited an air conditioning unit because “the heat is vicious.”

Cameron Hanna, a teacher in Grand Bahama, described his classroom as “a sauna.”

Classrooms are becoming hotter as global temperatures rise, which can have a dire effect on learning. Summer months are particularly hotter with daytime temperatures reaching about 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

A teacher at Eight Mile Rock High School in Grand Bahama, Prisca Hunt, asked, “Dear Mr Prime Minister, how are we teachers supposed to go the extra mile you requested of us in these scorching, inferno, sauna-degrees classrooms?”

And Canovia Ferguson requested that the government “provide comfortable classrooms for our students–classrooms in which our students can concentrate on what the teacher is saying rather than fighting to sit in front of one of the two fans in the class which was purchased by the teacher by the way.”

Some social media users responded favorably, pledging to donate fans to teachers.

The weather seems to be hotter than in past summers and government may have to consider a new type of cooling unit to ensure comfortable classrooms for learning to take place.

Popular Bahamian entertainer and educator Sonovia Pierre posted the pay scale of public school teachers on social media and the revelation left users astounded at the salary of teachers employed by the Ministry of Education.

The music teacher, who also holds a Master’s Degree, asked why teachers’ salary was so low.

“Why Lord?” she exclaimed.

According to the S12 scale of 2016, a technical teacher with a City and Guilds Final Technology Diploma and teacher training earns $25,200.

The starting salary for Technical teachers with a Bachelor’s Degree is $26,600.

The salary of a Trained Teacher with a Bachelor’s Degree is $28,000; with a Master’s Degree, it is $28,700 and with a Doctorate, the salary is $29,400.

Teachers receive an increase of two salary increases of $700 each year. But the most money a teacher can earn in the public service is $39,900 according to the new industrial agreement.

Social media users were shocked at the revelation.

“That cannot be real,” Margo Newbold said in disbelief.

Sandra Marshall chimed in, “It’s a crying shame.”

Lorca Bowe exclaimed, “They have to be crazy…” while Rhondi Treco called for a major increase in salary for teachers.

“It will remain that way unless trained and degreed teachers and other professionals collectively demand $65,000 for salaries like those publicly or politically appointed untrained or unqualified friends, families and or lovers,” said Elaine Ann.

The Ministry of Education has complained of a teacher shortage as more educators leave the system for employment elsewhere.

Dionne Benjamin Smith said now she “see why teachers are leaving this place.”

Throughout the years, the Bahamas Union of Teachers has lobbied for a pay increase for teachers, arguing the significance of the job, the heavy workload of class preparation, and the strain of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Last week, President Belinda Wilson petitioned for higher pay for teachers but it was denied. However, increases on allowances were granted like rental assistance and hardship allowances for teachers moving to the islands, among other allowances.

Dental and vision insurance were also granted.

If teachers continue to be paid a low salary, many more will seek second jobs to supplement their monthly pay, while others will outrightly abandon the job for higher salaries.

A teacher’s complaint spread across social media resulting in a new desk for her classroom.

Francheska McBride is a teacher who had an old desk sitting on two blocks since 2016, she claimed. As school was scheduled to reopen last week, she took to social media to vent her frustrations.

“Come to work they said. Everything is fixed they said. But yet my desk on blocks and it been like this since 2016.”

McBride’s comment sparked reaction from her followers, many appalled by the condition of the teacher’s desk.

“This is sad,” Rufus Emmanuel said.

Branell Thurston joined the chorus. “If a teacher decides to go to work in this condition that’s on him or her. No way should this be in a classroom. That’s for rodents in a dump.”

The social media post caught the attention of the Ministry of Education which gifted her with a new desk for the new school year.

McBride celebrated the new desk, expressing gratitude to the Minister of State for Education Zane Lightbourne.

“Thank you…for supplying me with a new desk and chair. This is greatly appreciated. I was too excited. Thank you, thank you.”

Her social media followers were also happy with her new desk.

Tess Amor said, “Facebook powerful I must say.”

Kenderia Nairn posted, “Only when you complain is when you see change.”

Andrea Coleby said, “Wow this was quick. Happy for you hun. Lemme go post that I poor. If yal share it they may send me some money.”

Semaj Bunch simply exclaimed, “Awesome.”

Top achievers from public and private institutions throughout the country who excelled in the 2020 national Bahamas Junior Certificate (BJC) and Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) examinations were celebrated at the National Awards Presentations hosted by the Examination & Assessment Division of the Ministry of Education.

Stephanardo Rolle accepts his award for Best Overall BJC Performance by a male
in Government Schools from the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd, Minister of Education.

Kerrine Simeon is the recipient of the Best Overall BJC Performance in Government Schools’ award. She receives her award from the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd, Minister of Education.

Cherkadin Wells is the recipient of the Most Outstanding BJC performance award, Best Overall BJC Performance in Independent Schools and BJC Best by Island (New Providence) award. Minister Jeffrey Lloyd presents him with his awards.

Chardonnay Garrick, a student of the University of The Bahamas, received the Marjorie Davis Award for Best Overall BGCSE Performance in Government Schools. She is pictured centre with the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd, Minister of Education and Lorraine Armbrister, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education.

Kamori Sawyer accepts awards from the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd, Minister of Education. She is the recipient of the Paul Adderley Award for Most Outstanding BGCSE Performance, the Carol Hanna Award for Best Overall BGCSE Performance in Independent Schools and BGCSE Best by Island (New Providence).

BIS Photos/Kristaan Ingraham

The man found shot dead in a classroom on New Years Day at the Stapledon School has been identified as a physical education teacher at the Dolphin Drive campus.

On Sunday, officials at the Ministry of Education expressed grief at the death of its employee, Andrew Valdez.

Valdez, described as “a burst of energy,” spent three years at the school, also assisting in the school’s agriculture program.

Principal Amanda Moncur said Valdez was dependable, a willing team player, and well-loved by the staff and students.

Valdez spent five years in Long Island before his transfer to Stapeldon School.

On Friday, just before noon, police officers responded to a call and were directed to a northwestern classroom where a man was found lying in a pool of blood.

Assistant Superintendent Audley Peters said investigators were following a significant lead that can possibly lead to the closure of investigations as early as this week.

Minister of Education Jeffrey Lloyd said he expressed sympathies to the mother and other family members of Valdez.

Owner of United Station Services Henry Dean is doing his part to ensure every child in the country as a tablet for the continuation of online learning, as schools remain physically closed.

He presented the Ministry of Education with 80 tablets for the T.G Glover Primary School.

Dean lives in the neighborhood and wanted to assist the children in his community.

“I owe this to T.G. Glover.

“T.G. Glover is personal and profound to us because we live here. I believe that a good number of students who attend T.G. Glover come from the surrounding area. It would be foolish of us not to pay attention to what’s next door. We want to encourage, enhance, support those in the neighborhood academically but it goes beyond that.

“My presence and involvement bring respectability to the environment. We want to continue to build that kind of reputation,” Dean said.

Education Minister Jeff Lloyd expressed his gratitude to Dean for the donation.

“We will not stop until every student, every educator has a device in his/her hand.
By the end of this year, we expect to achieve that. We expect that the 46,000
students in the public school and the 45,000 educators, administrators, teachers
will have an appropriate device capacitated to deal with online learning,” Lloyd said.

Dean said he has provided education for his children and wished for other children to have the same opportunity.

“I know what the value of education is. I have invested in it and seen it produce. My
children have succeeded, but they can’t be the only ones to succeed. This would
be a troubled society for all of us.”

United Sanitation Services is the oldest private garbage collection company in New Providence.

(BIS photo/Derek Smith)

In what has become a disappointing first day of school, technical difficulties befell the start of the 2020 school year.

Students and teachers were unable to access the Ministry of Education’s online learning portal.

For about six hours users were greeted with “undergoing maintenance…we’re doing some work on the site and will be back shortly.”

The cause?

Officials of the Ministry of Education issued a statement late Tuesday evening saying the department of education experienced “some technical issues,” preventing access to the Learning Management System.

When will the situation be fixed?

The ministry said One on One and Amazon Web Services, the companies responsible for hosting the platform are working to fix the technical issues, and said it is hoped the challenges are addressed quickly.

What did the Teachers Union President say?

Belinda Wilson said teachers were not notified by the ministry of the technical challenges.

She advised teachers that if the issue persists on Wednesday, they should log on to the system, take a photo of the web page, sign-in at the school’s register and sign out at 12noon.

It is hoped that the online portal will be running by 9 am on Wednesday. If not, schools may choose to continue with the Zoom platform.