Minister of State in the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Empowerment, Innovation, Trade, Industry and Commerce, Patrick Todd.??

A government minister has chastised some parents for being tardy in paying their children’s school fees, as schools relied on there funds to keep their doors open during the ongoing global economic crisis.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Empowerment, Innovation, Trade, Industry and Commerce, Patrick Todd, made this appeal today, while addressing the graduation ceremony of Beckles Primary School.?? It was held at Sanctuary Empowerment Centre, Country Road, St. Michael.

Emphasising that private school operators must be seen as entrepreneurs, he added: "We sometimes forget that private education represents an aspect of small business development within our country.?? So, we owe it to the management of the school to ensure that our fees are paid on time, because the wages and salaries of staff must be paid from this income."

Mr. Todd also urged the philanthropic society to "step-up to the plate" and assist the private schools in keeping their doors open. "We should also rely on the benevolence of the benefactors in our society by way of covenant or other charitable donations to support schools such as Beckles [Primary School]."

To support this almsgiving, the Minister of State disclosed that government had initiated a number of initiatives such as tax concessions, to increase the level of philanthropic contributions to the island.

In light of this, he urged the private sector to donate either tangible goods or in kind to Beckles Primary and other private schools.?? "Government alone cannot educate the nation’s children and the private sector must play an important role in ensuring that no one is left out …," Mr. Todd observed.

Beckles Primary School, formerly called Daisley’s Elementary School was founded by Shannah Daisley, to promote the welfare and education of students with learning difficulties as a result of dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.?? It also caters to mainstream students. jwilson@barbados.gov.bb

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