00:00From all indications, everything is go with regards to school repairs, school readiness, school preparedness.
00:07Our information is that there were 271 schools under repairs during Java, July-August vacation,
00:14and another 169 schools under emergency repair works.
00:18President of the National Parent Teacher Association, Walter Stewart,
00:21gave details on the reopening of schools across the country, and especially those under repair.
00:26And while repairs haven't been fully completed at 26 schools,
00:30Mr. Stewart confirmed that there will be no hindrance to operations at those schools.
00:35He also explained the significance of the readiness of the country's schools and praised the education minister and his team.
00:41This is significant because you are correct.
00:43Perennially, we have been here badgering, talking about school repairs and the readiness and preparedness of our schools for the academic year.
00:51And this year has been a defining moment in history for our schools.
00:55With the number of repairs won and the time that the schools have been ready for the start of the academic year.
01:04Hats off then to the minister and, of course, his team for such a Herculean task. Well done.
01:10The NPTA president also addressed the presence of police officers at selected schools.
01:14And while he understands why some officers are set to be armed,
01:17Stewart is asking on behalf of parents that those officers take extra caution in doing their duties.
01:23Of course, we want to caution that even if you are going armed, ensure that the ammunition is well concealed during the process of your operations.
01:32And we understand that Mr. Benjamin Coe is a tool of trade, obviously, because, you know, police officers by and large are supposed to be armed.
01:40We understand that philosophy.
01:42But, of course, we also have a concern with regards to the perception of our students, our students and our criminals in any way.
01:49We don't have a history in our schools of school violence within the doors of the school.
01:55But, of course, we understand that if there is to be any untoward situation, there is need for immediate response by the law enforcement.
02:04So there is where, of course, we have to now give some leeway with regards to that.
02:07While the NPTA is concerned about the perception and stigma attached to the presence of officers in some schools,
02:13as well as the potential stress it may cause to both students and teachers,
02:18Stewart did confirm his organization's support for the idea,
02:21but noted that it is not a permanent solution and that they will be keeping an eye on how it works.
02:27So what we applaud, we endorse this initiative by the TGPS and, of course, the MOE on this particular matter as a temporary mechanism.
02:36Know the word temporary because nobody wants to see a police officer in your schools ad infinitum, certainly.
02:42So that we are going to be monitoring it on almost a weekly basis, a monthly basis to see the level of progress.
02:48And we expect progress in quick order when it comes to school violence and school indiscipline.
02:54Dominic Ramroop, TV6 News.
02:57Have a nice day.
02:58Have fun.
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