00:00During the first sitting of the new session of the House of Representatives,
00:04Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath faced an urgent question from Opposition MP Dr. Nayan Gatspidoli
00:11during the first week of the new school term.
00:14In light of the commencement of the 2026-27 academic year
00:18and the widespread concern by parents who have not received the 2026 School Supplies and Book Grant,
00:24can the Minister state the definitive date by which all approved applicants will receive the grant?
00:30In 2024, on the PNM government, the book grants, school supplies and book grants
00:40were received by parents by the 30th of September, 2024.
00:45In 2025, book grants were received by parents by the 30th of September, 2025.
00:52With respect to the 2026 School Supplies and Book Grant,
00:56I wish to advise that all approved applicants are expected to receive their book grants
01:03by Monday, September the 21st, 2026.
01:07Thank you very much.
01:07The new school term for primary and secondary schools began on Monday, September 7.
01:13MP Gatspidoli, a former education minister, posed a supplemental question
01:19which was not allowed by the presiding officer, Deputy Speaker Dr. Ayana Ali.
01:24Madam Deputy Speaker to the Minister of Education,
01:26how many approved applicants have not received book grants as of today, September the 11th, 2026?
01:33A member of the St. Anne's East, that's a completely different question and doesn't...
01:39It is a completely different question.
01:43It is not a supplemental question to the original question.
01:46Would you like to ask another supplemental question?
01:51Madam Deputy Speaker, the Minister gave a date by which those who are approved have not received,
01:56and I'm asking how many is that? That's not a different question.
01:58The Deputy Speaker stood her ground on not allowing that supplemental question, but did allow another.
02:04Madam Deputy Speaker, how many students, or approved applicants, I should say,
02:09have received the book grant as of today?
02:12Minister of Education.
02:17Madam Deputy Speaker, that question is different from the question on the order paper.
02:23The question of the order paper was the definite date.
02:27If the member will probably submit another question, we'll be happy to answer.
02:38The House of Representatives continued with its proceedings.
02:43Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
02:48Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
02:48You
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