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Getting licks for lateness
LICKS LIKE PEAS! That punishment was shared out at St Leonard’s Boys’ School yesterday morning for late arrivers. Senior teacher Dr Victor Agard stopped many children at the entrance just after 10 a.m. and flogged them before allowing them into school. Some students stayed on the outside until principal Joseph King stopped the exercise and ordered all students to enter.Here, one of the late students getting his share. (Picture by Donnay Deane)
Published on: 10/16/2009.
A TOUGH ENFORCEMENT of the rules.
That is what was instituted at St Leonard's Boys' School yesterday as several students were flogged for late arrival.
Senior teacher Dr Victor Agard had the responsibility of administering the punishment, much to the displeasure of the students.
Just after 10 a.m., a WEEKEND NATION team witnessed the boys being flogged one by one before being allowed to enter the school's compound. School there begins at 7:50 a.m.
One onlooker disagreed with the action, as did some of the guilty students who refused to line up for the punishment. Principal Joseph King came on the scene and allowed the other students to enter.
When contacted via telephone, King declined to comment on the situation. A WEEKEND NATION team subsequently revisited the school in an effort to speak with him but was unable to do so. The security guard returned with a message that he still would not comment before Monday.
The WEEKEND NATION made a third attempt after the school's 1:40 p.m. closure and King again declined comment after a staff meeting.
St Leonard's Boys' has been cracking down on students who infringe its rules, ranging from "liming" in the bus stands to not adhering to the dress code. (PCA)
252 comment found!
PROUD BAJAN????? : 11/1/2009
To PB re: “Stop it!” 10/20/2009 & How About Real Solutions? : 10/21/2009: You give new meaning to the term “educated fool” with your attitude of superiority which comes through loud and clear. I too am a product of the B’dian educational system as well as a product of the New York College/ University system and we now have a teenager who was educated in the private as well the public school systems. You are eloquent and your verbs are in the correct place; but you are arrogant and stupid. PB - you might not bow down to the “motherland” – Great Britain, like the Bajans you criticize but you certainly do a GREAT job of bowing down to their cousins across the pond (from where the hell do you think Americans - WHITE Americans that is, proudly claim their heritage & history). And through you we see that they teach well how to bow down. You are a shame and disgrace!!! Dear “Proud Bajan” – real Bajans don’t need to be told what others think about them and why should they care. In foreign lands it is normal to seek out one’s own and criticize the others. What are YOU “Proud Bajan” saying to them when they talk about Barbados? Was there anything that helped you to grow while you were growing up in Barbados? I invite people to re-read your diatribe closely. You said - “We need progressive thinking on all levels of society to enact positives changes like seeking out qualified and accomplished men and women throughout Barbados to volunteer and mentor those children at greatest risk.” You speak as if you were an American/ American apologist/ perhaps a social worker writing your thesis on Caribbean culture. You don’t sound as if you have lived and interacted with real Barbadians or perhaps even real Caribbean people at all, who live real lives whether in Barbados or away from home, who have REAL problems and find real creative solutions. You sound too far removed from the reality of real people’s lives. You never spoke about Barbadians like you were one of us. Ask Barbadian and Caribbean teachers who came to USA as part of the teaching “experiment”. Ask them how they fared & why they did not stay to be brutalized by a system, by parents and unfortunately by children who are out of control. Ask real parents in US & Bdos who today, still work in the homes of others, or in jobs where they do not have the luxury of frequently leaving to take care of unruly children at school; who do not have the privilege of traveling back and forth – even from one parish to another. We are ALL glad that you have been afforded the opportunities to live one place, work another and do it successfully. However, it has been on the backs – not only of your parents, but of those who maybe can’t “articulate” like you – but it does not QUALIFY you for one SH-TE except to talk crap. In closing, I would suggest that you re-do the thesis and the research on your paper using REAL people. But perhaps not, you sound like you might just get away with talking that kind of nonsense – in the condescending way some Americans think of Caribbean people. Go on PB, bow down to YOUR motherland. You are a hypocrite to even open your lips to say that the US hides nothing from the world; but even worse, it proves you to be the utter fool that your are! By the way – I don’t see any “correlation” here except that you prove that “head aint brain”! TO MANDY: For some of us, things have improved here and life materially is better – but it comes at GREAT cost. Whatever, many of us continue to strongly identify ourselves as Barbadians and relying on the tools and lessons we learned in Barbados, to make a difference in our children’s lives.
Proud Bajan???? : 11/1/2009
To PB re: “Stop it!” 10/20/2009 & How About Real Solutions? : 10/21/2009: You give new meaning to the term “educated fool” with your attitude of superiority which comes through loud and clear. I too am a product of the B’dian educational system as well as a product of the New York College/ University system and we now have a teenager who was educated in the private as well the public school systems. You are eloquent and your verbs are in the correct place; but you are arrogant and stupid. PB - you might not bow down to the “motherland” – Great Britain, like the Bajans you criticize but you certainly do a GREAT job of bowing down to their cousins across the pond (from where the hell do you think Americans - WHITE Americans that is, proudly claim their heritage & history). And through you we see that they teach well how to bow down. You are a shame and disgrace!!! Dear “Proud Bajan” – real Bajans don’t need to be told what others think about them and why should they care. In foreign lands it is normal to seek out one’s own and criticize the others. What are YOU “Proud Bajan” saying to them when they talk about Barbados? Was there anything that helped you to grow while you were growing up in Barbados? I invite people to re-read your diatribe closely. You said - “We need progressive thinking on all levels of society to enact positives changes like seeking out qualified and accomplished men and women throughout Barbados to volunteer and mentor those children at greatest risk.” You speak as if you were an American/ American apologist/ perhaps a social worker writing your thesis on Caribbean culture. You don’t sound as if you have lived and interacted with real Barbadians or perhaps even real Caribbean people at all, who live real lives whether in Barbados or away from home, who have REAL problems and find real creative solutions. You sound too far removed from the reality of real people’s lives. You never spoke about Barbadians like you were one of us. Ask Barbadian and Caribbean teachers who came to USA as part of the teaching “experiment”. Ask them how they fared & why they did not stay to be brutalized by a system, by parents and unfortunately by children who are out of control. Ask real parents in US & Bdos who today, still work in the homes of others, or in jobs where they do not have the luxury of frequently leaving to take care of unruly children at school; who do not have the privilege of traveling back and forth – even from one parish to another. We are ALL glad that you have been afforded the opportunities to live one place, work another and do it successfully. However, it has been on the backs – not only of your parents, but of those who maybe can’t “articulate” like you – but it does not QUALIFY you for one SH-TE except to talk crap. In closing, I would suggest that you re-do the thesis and the research on your paper using REAL people. But perhaps not, you sound like you might just get away with talking that kind of nonsense – in the condescending way some Americans think of Caribbean people. Go on PB, bow down to YOUR motherland. You are a hypocrite to even open your lips to say that the US hides nothing from the world; but even worse, it proves you to be the utter fool that your are! By the way – I don’t see any “correlation” here except that you prove that “head aint brain”! TO MANDY: For some of us, things have improved here and life materially is better – but it comes at GREAT cost. Whatever, many of us continue to strongly identify ourselves as Barbadians and relying on the tools and lessons we learned in Barbados, to make a difference in our children’s lives.
Flogging : 10/26/2009
SuperQ68, Sending the kids home would be playing into their hands. That is exactly what they want, to be sent home so that they can roam the malls or Bridgetown and get into trouble, with the excuse that they could not get into the house. You think that they would have gone to their parents' work place and tell them that they were sent home from school? I think not.
Flogging : 10/26/2009
To school boy, well, congrats to you, you must be a very nice and obidient kid not to be repramanded by your parents, if this behaviour rolls over to school then you should have no fear of being punished. Keep up the good work.
Licks for lateness : 10/23/2009
Why is it that uneducated black men in prison in North America wearing their down could influence so many young black men throughout this world? If flogging is backwardness it mean's that Japan is also bcakward because they still flog they kids
PhD Long Island : 10/23/2009
David Morris, PhD Long Island, New York.You need to take your head out of the book's and take a good look at this world, they are still flogging in Japan,China and India.
: 10/23/2009
i hate flogging, it hurts, it is bad for me.please dont beat me. you would not like someone to beat you. my mother dont beat me . my father dont beat me. why should you beat me?
look people. : 10/23/2009
mr agard did not grab anyone and drag dem onto de school premises and cut duh behinds. d kids had a choice. duh no duh late and why duh did late. the choices were. 1. u want to be admitted to d school fuh d rest of d day? 3 lashes!! some agree to tek duh punishment , other refused . that were their choice to refuse. if they refuse then they were also refused entry to d school premises. those that refuse to get d lashes were free to guh back and lime or guh home. simple as dat. thats y d lick were in public. it was not in public to embarrass d children or for d public to observe. it was just that ther had to be punished fuh duh lateness before duh entered the school. yet all winnuh comparing this to d beatings administered by the taliban etc (that real foolishness). what the nation should have done is go back to d school d next day and see how many did 2hrs late agin and report it on d front page. then all winnuh agains d flogging would have seen the positive result of the flogging in the early attendance. but not all winnuh in here talking tru winnuh hats. MOST OF THE KIDS WASKING BOUT SAYING DEM AINT EVEN FELL THE LASHES. and winnuh stupid adults in here arguing.
Licks for lateness : 10/23/2009
I do not necessarily agree with flogging but I believe sometimes the end justifies the means. I work overseas in the school system and frankly speaking as a transplanted bajan it is my believe that some of the kids here could do with a good cut a***...and I'm a social worker so you could understand how serious the offences are these kids perpetrate. The fact remains that parents either don't care or are themselves afraid of the same monsters they created. As for all the suggestions of suspending them or sending them home for a day, let me tell you what these kids take the opportunity to do when we do that...they go and commit crimes, as for putting them in detention....they don't come, as for withdrawing them from playing their favourite sports...you know what these kids aren't into any sports unless it's of the criminal kind, as for calling parents to come collect them...parents accustomed getting so many calls from the school for these same disgusting kids that you know what...the phone goes straight to voicemail, the parents don't want the confusion because as far as they are concerned the teachers are miracle workers. As for sending these kids out to do community service most of these kids are not strangers to juvenile court, and if they are not doing the community service imposed by the court, you people really think the school could impose any. So now that I have poked holes in all you bleeding hearts suggestions...Tell me what more should be done except...TO CUT THEIR LITTLE A****
Flogging : 10/23/2009
Bajan in Boston you probably do not keep up with the news here .It is wrong to send them home . They might get into trouble because the parents do not know they are home . Here in Barbados you could wait till judgement day some parents do not turn up especially for repeat offenders . So what do we do .
Getting Licks for Lateness : 10/23/2009
Hopefully the parent of that child had a lot to say to the Ministry of Education about that Dr. Victor Agard flogging their son. Yes, the kids were late for "liming" or whatever, send the kids back home and do not admit them back in school until a parent come up to the school for meeting!
Getting Licks for Lateness : 10/23/2009
Instead of flogging the kids, why couldn't the school had simply turn the kids away and send them back home, and place a call to the parents letting them know that the kids were late?
Re: Concerned : 10/23/2009
How many American kids are excelling in society? American kids are not being beaten, yet kids in America pick up guns and go into schools and other places and shoot whoever is in sight. Is it America that creates some of the biggest drug-lords, etc? Isn't it this same rule of not beating kids in America that has caused so many Caribbean-born youths to be deported, after making them into who they are today? The problem with us in the Caribbean is, we try to copy too much from North America.
: 10/23/2009
should we as men beat our women for coming home late ? should we as men beat our women for not cooking the food on time ? should we a men beat women for not giving us loving when we want it and on time ? Answer me somebody ?
: 10/23/2009
licks and beatings indicate failure on the part of all concerned to effectively handled and train children from an early age. i know what the problems are and i know the solutions but no one wants to hear the truth and if i say what i want to say, this post might not be published. it has happened before. hint (examine the intake of students at the university for an indication and also look into the offices in the country for a similar indication.
: 10/22/2009
We are all free to say if we agree or disagree with flogging however it was disgraceful to flog children in public if it had to be done should be done in the headmaster's office
Pigeon ruffle feathers : 10/22/2009
I was privileged to be in a school on attachment it was an eye opener. All the arm chair critics that post there are part of the problem and have no GOOD solutions .School children are not stupid .They like any other child will test authority any way possible . I have seen several children arriving to school late on particular days .Full assembly , house prayers and year prayers .The drivers knew it well because students opted to take buses that would drop them a distance from school .In fact these students (most of the time the same offenders ) would hang around the terminal until the last school bus leaves at about 8:30 am. Detention was tried and a god set of the children did not attend . Mind you these detentions were English or homework not just gazing . You would be shocked what can happen and indeed go on from the time a student leaves home and arrive 2 hours late. Educators ,parents and all stake holders need to be on the same page .You go on to the Fairchild street terminal or any other on any given school day .Police have to be making students get to their buses .Imagine a school in St.Joseph and students hiding around to catch the last bus out . The parents want flogging too because like the children they are unruly .A lot of these parents know good enough what their children do .Some use the excuse of working and do not go any where to drive a stroke . Others are fooling themselves . Go Victor !you are not talking like Matthew you are doing !
SPARE THE ROD AND SPOIL THE CHILD!!!! : 10/22/2009
I do live in North America go and raise in Bim. I am going to say thank God in the state of New York one is now allowed to give your child a slap to curve their behavior. I am just tried and sick of Bajans and other caribbean folks who relocated to the Untied States and think it is the best thing since slice bread. These children need to learn responsiblity and respect for themselves and others. Do you think when they enter the work world this behavior is acceptable? Some one do the math for me school starts at 7:50am and they are arriving around 10am? We are fooling oursleves. Please stop looking at North America as a guiding tool. Did we not hear Mrs. Holder flogged her sons when needed now lot he is the Attorney General for the US and do you think he raised his children any different? Stop with the criticism. I say flog them until they get it right.
: 10/22/2009
Bajan in USA, I don't know where you got your statistics, but look at them again. BTW, the issue is not performance, it is how to handle problems. My discussion was solely how to handle the problem. Flogging is not the answer, if it was, the problem would not be there for so many. My classrooms are disciplined and I don't have to send students to the principal. It can be done without resorting to physical punishment.
licks like peas : 10/22/2009
Do not forget that these students were two hours late.Can any of you outraged bajans in North America remember being two hours late without a letter from a parent or the parent him or herself coming with you to the school?I want to thank St.Leonards Boys for the discipline it instilled in my son, he was flogged only once,and he fondly remembers his teachers and principal.Bajan in Virginia needs to tell the truth,Virginian students are considered to be very low performers nation wide and as for PB you give America too much credit for what they did not do.Any student who excels in public school in USA have had their foundation built elsewhere,usually in the West Indies and specifically Barbados.Barbadian students are disciplined.Mr. Agard keep on top of the discipline,do not allow lawlessness to take over your school.
Getting licks for lateness : 10/22/2009
I was born in Barbados and moved away to go to University, and for all those people who said corporal punishment is working, stop fooling your selves. I read the nation news every evening after dinner, and the news shock me because my B'dos is not B'dos anymore. When I visit Barbados, I do not walk alone, my kids are not allowed to go out alone, and I never had that problem when I was growing up. Barbados is a mini USA, actually I feel safer in the area I live than in Barbados. Kids are rebelling like crazy in Barbados and the drugs, shootings and sexual behaviours are no different than North America. Corporal punishment where ever it is given in simply wrong, demoralizing, and abusive. Let the school boards understand that they have to come up with other ways to deal with the children and stop beating them. Don't you all unerstand that you are teaching them to beat their own children and others. Those of us that were beaten and turned out okay, were lucky. What about the ones that had emotional and mental problems and did not get the help they really needed. Kids in my classes were beaten because they were quote un quote "Duncy", hello those kids were Learning Disabled. Did they get the support to help them learn so they can grow up to be normal citizens? What about the kids that had vision, hearing and speech problems ? they were also beaten becuase they were not normally bright. Those beatings reinforced that they were not accepted into Barbadian society because they were different. I can go on and on about all the negative thoughts and actions that result from beatings in school or at home but will stop here and just say, find other ways to deal with these troubled kids. Remember the golden rule, "Do unto others as you will like them to do unto you". If we all try to follow that rule, we would think twice before hitting anyone. Concerned
Lashes for Lateness : 10/22/2009
I am a teacher and if Bajans knew the serious issues that are taking place in schools, from extreme lateness to prostitution rings, they would shut up and not condemn any school for using corporal punishment. It's also about time that Bajans stop thinking that lashing is the only type of punishment used in schools. They also need to look at those places who are now trying to re-introduce corporal punishment in schools and see how far down the drain they have to crawl up from. Lastly, Bajans need to stop using all these silly excuses and psycho-babble for their children and set them straight from their homes. These children are not stupid! Some of them have more sense than some of you. If you want nightmares thinking of what this country is going to be like a few years down the line, spend a week in most of our secondary schools; right now, most of you who condemn, live in a world of fantasy.
MOST EDUCATED EH? : 10/21/2009
PB, l read all the comments since the first day this article was posted. I am wondering if the people of Barbados, or is Barbadian an English speaking country? Is it really true that they are the most educated people in the Western Hemisphere? Any way, of all the comments read, both you and the Doctor (Haynes Psy.D) deserve my attention and respect. You both kept the issue in focus regardless of the tone of others. Hope to hear more comments from both of you.
to pb. : 10/21/2009
d generations of bajan getting more voilent as the lick like peas in schools get less. also tell me how can u say 3 lashes is beating the hell outta d children????
RE: J Payne by "Free Minded" : 10/21/2009
To MS Payne I have said enough to you.. read properly, you miss points because you are buried in a veil to support your mentality. I cant help you anymore... I would prefer to waste my energy on this "beating children is legal or illegal topic" and hope at least change come some day to this linear subcultural thinking and the blatant ignoring of the law and children's rights by government officials stops! P.S I am not anon..I have marked my sudo each time @ Free Minded
How About Real Solutions? : 10/21/2009
To poster Mandy: I never said that anyone should bow down to America! You already do a fine job of bowing down when it comes to your "motherland" Great Britain as sad as that is! I understand that everyone has the right to say what they want but a lot of people in this forum always go negative on the US citing the craziest of comparisons and to do so is absolutely ridiculous in most cases. Let's be clear here America is far from perfect Bush certainly proved that. Another thing, I am a proud Bajan first and foremost and I recognize the fact that many Americans are very arrogant but those folks are considers fools by sensible people within their own country. The sad parallel here is that a lot of Barbadians act as arrogant and ignorant as the very Americans you loathe so much just ask anyone from neighboring Caribbean nations and they'll tell you the truth. It is also unfortunate that many Barbadians imitate the negative side of American culture so you must be vigilant in curbing these negative behaviors but at least acknowledge the positives the U.S. contributes. For the most part they are not stupid people! Beside what qualifies you to talk about which subcultures make New York a bad place? My good Barbadian work ethic coupled with American opportunities award me the privilege to live in New York and Barbados as I choose year round for over two decades which qualifies me to tell you that your rhetoric makes little sense! So stay focused and offer a solution to the problem at home! Example: We need progressive thinking on all levels of society to enact positives changes like seeking out qualified and accomplished men and women throughout Barbados to volunteer and mentor those children at greatest risk. These kids desperately want to be reached! Culturally all of our focus is willingly given to high achievers with little attention paid to others; the underachievers, the average and especially poor children until it's often too late. We also need to hold parents of truant children accountable through special courts that preside specifically over these type of cases. How about establishing new schools like boarding schools for young boys 5yrs old and up that live in troubled homes and communities in an effort to produce productive citizens and good responsible men? I know your intentions are good but if you think that beating the hell out of children will help us progress as a people then go for it! Certainly you can see that with the passage of each generation Barbados is becoming an increasingly violent place. Don't you see a direct correlation here? If history hasn't already proven you wrong then nothing will. Good luck to you!
Licks for lateness : 10/21/2009
As a social worker, I would be the first to say I previously did not agree with giving children lashes for all of the above reasons Mrs. Jackson-Wilson mentioned; however I now work within the school systems abroad, the same school systems that overseas writers are holding up as examples for my island home to follow, and daily I say to myself...thank god we in Bim have not gone to these extremes, the truth is that these fancy methods do not work in schools with kids with serious behavioural issues....I know because I use these methods every day all to no avail, the kids here run the show, they curse you out, threaten you, and some are bold enough to hit you...what happens to them...nothing, a parent conference is called parents come in, agree with you on the measures that need to be put in place, the student is consulted and you know what.. they proceed to not only curse you out but their parents too. As for the law courts, they keep saying that prison is not the answer for these kids because they have low self-esteem, lack love, and all the usual crap. So don't be fooled that these systems work...They don't.
NO BEATINGS PLEASE : 10/21/2009
BEATINGS CANNOT BE JUSTIFIED DONT CARE HOW LATE THEY WERE or if they bought fishcakes or fish tails.
Flogging : 10/21/2009
It is about time that people in authority realize that beating up on children and inflicting pain on them is not the answer to the problem. I am a Barbadian and I can not remember ever receiving a beating in school. On the other hand, my grandmother had love to whip you. She was so determine to inflict pain, that I got a beating every day for the same thing. I was also very stubborn and determing to do the same thing every day because I wanted to see how long she was going to continue with these whippings. After about a year, she got tired and she stopped. When I got older, I brought it to her attention that beating me every day for not doing chores did not change me. I have a daughter who is about to graduate high school and go on to college and I have never beaten her. I made a commitment to myself that I would not do to her the things that were done to me. She has been in private school all her life and she is a great child. She is not a perfect child, but I would rather talk and reason with her than beat up on her. My husband which is her dad has only hit her once in her life. Parents have got to play a more important role in the lives of their children and cannot leave it up to the teachers. Another thing that people have to realize is that children are a product of their enviroment.
Confused : 10/21/2009
Why are ppl so against the lashes??I would like to know what form of punishment parents want teachers to give to the students who are late?who are rude?who dont do home work?who fight?who tease other children?who dont waer uniform correctly?who dont wear appropriate hairstyle?Can some one answer that?? Confused
Foolishness : 10/21/2009
FIRE CRACKER why should some one be charged????a lil boy got chased to death by two older boys and nothing was done,the boys got 2 lashes and are still very much alive,im sure they are laffing @ the teachers they are even saying that teachers cant hit them atall ...I agree with the person that said""DR. AGARD, DO WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO TO SAVE THESE SAME BOYS FROM THE GOVERNMENT SCHOOL OR HMP AT DODDS""I also agree with HC alum as well..Lashes never killed any one yet to my knowledge...if the Parents dont agree with children getting lashed at one school transfer to another dam school then or if wanna aint want the children punished for wrong doings keep them hom & home school them..stupseeeeeeee..Foolish young parents.....thats why the children growing up and beating... Foolish PPL
Stop trying to push other cultures on us : 10/21/2009
We are not in the USA We are in Barbados Stop comparing small country to others whether we spank our children or not I feel does not influence these negative behaviors here becuase we do have some kids in barbados who have never been spank and still bully and show violence behaviors. Let we stop our ways of discipline and see if we don't see the same violence behaviors in our children as these big countries strong hold is good and we need something to hold on too to help our children in the future Those who live in Roman live like the Romans stop trying to in still others countries ways on us let you do our jobs my son grew up in Barbados and I know for a fact that he is able to live and go to school in the USA and not follow bad crowd nor be influence by negativity base on the way we raise our children.
the children still alive, de licks didn't kill ... can u believe it!?!? : 10/21/2009
cuddear ... to all y'all whose minds still harp on slavery, it happened to our people yes but we don't need to hold on to those things in a manner where it blinds us. if the flogging embarrasses the students, their behinds will get there early. it is not an act of abuse, licks does wear off! y'all should know cos wunna get some while growing up i am sure! and has it scarred you for life?? NO! if it has, then get over it already!!
So be it!!!! : 10/21/2009
All I can say is that a few lashes ain't going to kill them and by the third set I sure they will find them self to school early by hook or crook even if it means flying. Compare Barbados to other caribbean countries and then you would realize that we have one of the best education system in the caribbean if this helps then so be it.
lick : 10/21/2009
ah boy! i can see dat j. payne tek he lick like peas at school and did sum learning. he tek duh like a man and come out all d better. j. payne u not voilent nuh? d guy at colbine mustbe get he a** cut to many times dat why it lead to violence.
Wuh foolishness yuh talking? : 10/21/2009
To anonymous. How can a country be a Republic and- a Monarchy at the same time? They are antonyms. You can't have a government that pledges alegience to a Monarch and still be a government "of, for and by the people". Answer that for me, furthermore you should know the 1931 Statute of Westminister didn't pertain to Barbados. It was mainly for the "white" parts of the British Empire (Canada, Australia New Zealand, and the white minority in S. Africa etc.) It allowed those parts to have more autonomy from the British Parliament's decisions. Barbados was not granted such status until around the 1950s when Ministerial government appeared in Barbados and the structure of a Cabinet began to roll around. At that time the Cabinet began to assume more control from the Governor who was in charge of the Legislative Council. Anyway I've said enough on the topic... This all has nothing to do with looking into a crystal ball and guessing what might happen a country can't be a Monarchy and Republic at the same time. If you think Barbados is a Republic you- should research the oaths that Barbadians Government officials must take to assume office and take note what it says on how they will perform their duties and the reference to the Queen.
Flog them before the police or judge get them : 10/21/2009
really really really .Some of the poster her e .PB who thinks thar America is the best thing since slice bread . Americans are some of the most egostical ,chauvenist ,pretensive b****** in the world . What amazes me are those who claim they are in America and want to tell us what to do now . Some of you are the ones who when you were down here and did alot of nonsense in the schools .The ones who did little or no work because your mothers or fathers were sending for you . You go down there and maybe over a year do not see a school door .Have your own sub culture down there .Now all of a sudden America gave us bill gates ,barak obama and the likes .So we are to bow and scrape to them . It appears that Barbados education system is the worst thing that happened to these people who left the shores to go to the big apple with the core that every nation has flocked to with their sub cultures and made it bad . Look i can attest to this .Several of these students can bee seen near the legendary Fishcakes stalls or the shop by the traffic lights EVERY MORNING . Now this is well after 9:30 . Obviously these students are in no hurry to get to school .Must they be talked to every day .Must they be sent home (which they want to happen) .Must they be suspended .This they want also . It appears we must let our children rule the place.If the parents will do their duty the teachers would not have to . To the poster who wonders which doctorate Mr .Agard hold you are silly .It could be in literature or Art.
Getting licks for lateness : 10/21/2009
I was flogged when I attented West Burry School in the 60's for lateness, talking, getting work wrong, actually anything that the teachers thought of at that time. I graduated from the Modern High School and went on to University in Cleveland Ohio. North America is different from Barbados and floggings are not tolerated, therefore comparisons are not fair. I do not condone corporal punishment at school, I was traumatized when I received a beating. Some of the times I received a beating I did not deserve and the memories remain very clear in my mind. I was scared of the teachers that beat me and now I am grown up, I still do not understand how anyone can beat a child the way I was beaten. I have been living in North America for the past 32 years and my kids were born and attended school here. They were never beaten in school or at home. All three are University Graduates, and have never been in any trouble with the police or at school. They were not perfect kids, but my husband and I used a different kinds of discipline and lots of conversation. We have to use different ways to deal with kids because all we are teaching them is that if anyone does anything wrong, they should be hit. We have to stop this cycle of violence, because the kids of today are not the kids of my time. Teachers are at school to teach, not to hit kids and kids are there to learn not to break rules. There has to be more involvement from the parents to make the kids understand that the school laws are to be obeyed. If those laws are broken they are consequences that will follow, but beatings are not the answer. The school officials need to come up guide lines that are to be followed, and if they are broken then suspension is required. I know some will say that the kids will break the rules in order to be suspended, so they would not have to go to school. Some of the kids will do that but the majority of kids will obey the rules. The others will eventually get tired of being home while their other class mates are in school. I still remember the names of the teachers that beat me, however I did not allow their actions to effect my future progress.Those memories should have been positive ones instead they are all negative. My positive memories about teachers are from high school and university, they contributed to making me the kind of person I am today. Change is needed
TO DR. REUBEN HAYNES PSY.D. : 10/21/2009
Doctor, l read your comment with great interest, and l have to say that l agree with you 100%. l am not going to apologise for the ignorant remarks that is coming out of some of these discussions but your comments make good sense, and l hope others will understand what you said in another discussion that, "violence with any other name is violence, regardless of whom is inflicting that violence." The fact is, the truth hurts. Keep up the good work, and don't let dem deter you. You are my hero.
Why do we still spank children ? : 10/21/2009
Why Do We Still Spank (Hit) Children? Why do we still spank children? The usual answer is to get them to do what we think is best for them - i.e., to obtain behavioral compliance. And, yet, the answer is much more complicated. Dealing with children can stir up very charged and old feelings. The arguments and screaming of a child can push the same buttons that one's own parents or siblings pushed long ago. Or perhaps one does to one's child what was done to oneself: "I was spanked as a child, and I turned out all right." - Yes, but perhaps you turned out all right in spite of the spanking, not because of it... and perhaps things would have been even better if the effective alternatives to spanking which do exist had been utilized. Overview of Physical Punishment It turns out that physical punishment is a serious public health problem in the United States, and it profoundly affects the mental health of children and the society in which we live. Studies show that over 60% of families still use physical punishment to discipline children. Yet, the research shows that: physical punishment is associated with an increase in delinquency, antisocial behavior, and aggression in children; and physical punishment is associated with a decrease in the quality of the parent-child relationship, mental health, and the child's capacity to internalize socially acceptable behavior. Adults who have been subject to physical punishment as children are more likely to abuse their own child or spouse and to manifest criminal behavior (see Readings, 1). Spanking is a euphemism for hitting. One is not permitted to hit one's spouse or a stranger; these actions are considered domestic violence and/or assault. Nor should one be permitted to hit a smaller and even more vulnerable child. Hitting a child elicits precisely the feelings one does not want to generate in a child: distress, anger, fear, shame, and disgust. Studies show that children who are hit will "identify with the aggressor," and they are more likely to become hitters themselves, i.e., bullies and future abusers of their children and spouses. They tend to learn to use violent behavior as a way to deal with disputes. Taken from "Psychology Today", August 28, 2009, Paul C. Holinger, M.D. Terry Carter San Diego, California
We are Barbadian : 10/20/2009
flogging or licks whatever we call itand it never kill our children. We discipline the way we know best sometimes we go beyond boundaries children need to know the importance of educationnext thing these same kids grows ups liming like they are doing now with no education. we need to get over ourselves and know that this is our cultue everyone of us got licks in school and sometimes it is an embarrassment but it serve it purpose hope these kids and parents take this serious for a teacher to see this problem maybe we should treat kids like other countries do they don't care and kids just drop out of school most boys in up in jail and girls before they turn 20 already have 3 children fot 3 baby daddies. We better start taking care of our children for the future and stop looking at ways to cut our old ways
Cut Your Tail? : 10/20/2009
An obvious proponent of flogging that goes by the name "Young Parent" asked, "DIDN'T YOUR MUM CUT YOUR TAIL AT SOME POINT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Where exactly do you think that literal term CUT YOUR TAIL derives from? I am certain that you mean well but your choice of words certainly does not help your case!
Re: J. Payne : 10/20/2009
You are the one stuck in slavery; mental slavery! with the typical syndrome of not even knowing it, like those continuing to lash and abuse children. FYI the biggest part of Caribbean slavery was mental and psycological degradation and it still is today. History is an essential part of understanding Bajan culture in case you dont know. Westminster system and barbados system became a republic long time ago.. just an inferior vieled type one. "The Statute of Westminster 1931"..Lady...I told you to research before you reply..why speak confidently on things you are not sure off in spite..to waste space and have me educate you..Go ask a lawyer or someone who knows..cause you dont!*(go research english civil war & Englands biggest Hero Cromwell and enemy of the Monarch, a puritan Christian who almost left and went to USA, find out about Barbados laws being still derivied from English Common Laws precedents & common law assault..and statue of assualt.,the queen is just a museum and instrument of physcological foolery for some colonialist generation masses like yourself for colonial trade gains)Do you really think the coming generation will bow to Queen and barbados will be called a monarchy in 50years or less. ha..look at Trinidad already. respectfully, FREE MINDED
: 10/20/2009
DISCIPLINE YES- BEATINGS -NO
Re: Plantation. : 10/20/2009
Who said anything about plantations? You are stuck on slavery which is a shame. You'll likely never get past that... So since Slavery is such an essential topic for you when were you a slave again? From what date please? Oh, and whom was the master if you please? And for the "facts" Barbados is *not* a republic. Furthermore Barbados is governed by statutes and case law. Okay, even if I accept that you know this better than I, Where in case law does it say that licks to minors is a human rights violation? (And mind you this ruling has to have appropriate jurisdiction over Barbados.) Because you can get anything to say anything in any one of the number of countries around the world but that does not mean that is has jurisdiction in Barbados.
the correct way : 10/20/2009
for all you ppl complainin..that is why wanna children aint na better....the parents nowadays does want to curse and carry on because their children are being licks..im a young bajan and in my days wen i used to get licks i never used to go tellin my mother cause i wudda get ask fa wa.. now the parents does want to go at the school and complain to the ministry.. the i dont understand the minister either..if that school decides to flog students for being late soo be it..ppl must remember that it is the teachers of a paritcular school that had those kids to deal with on a daily basis..and plz i hate to hear ppl comparing lower schools to that of those suppose to be high class schools in barbados...THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH FLOGGINS STUDENTS.... and it seems liek the ministry wants barbados become liek those school overseas...we must remember this aint the USA...
DE BAJAN WAY : 10/20/2009
DE BAJAN WAY. KEEP URS N. AMERICA LET WE KEEP OURS. CAN SOMEONE, WHO KEEP SAYING THIS IS FROM SLAVERY, PLEASE EDUCATE ME AS TO THE WAYS AFRICAN TRIBES USE TO DISCIPLINED THEIR KIDS?????????
Backward : 10/20/2009
Firstly to PB...very well said. The school's management ought to have foreseen that public floggin would have negative ramifications.Forget the public floggins. It is time the Gov't enacts legislation that make parents/guardians accountable for a child's attendance at school. I'm sure someone would ensure those kids are at school often & on time rather than having to face the courts.
we the ppl : 10/20/2009
as i have read through some of the comment i find it so amazing that we as bajans making a big deal about licks in the old days parent beat their children with anything have it done those children wrong teachers beat children in the older days what happen to those children for those parents who doesn't want they children to be flogged i suggest you teach them some sort of order and let them know there is higher authority and rules are meant to be obeyed if school begins a t 7.50 why get at 10.00 how many hours did they miss.we need to wake up and train our children and then the teachers wouldn't have to beat them.and since most ppl are talkin about slavery DO YOU BEAT YOUR CHILD DOES TALKING ALWAYS WORK FOR YOU.PLEASE STUPES DIDN'T YOUR MUM CUT YOUR TAIL AT SOME POINT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bim ent change : 10/20/2009
Bunch of hypocrites bajans are, as the person far down said flog everyone who doing sh**e. Late workers, bad attitude gov workers, teifing politicians, all a dem and further more as i here pon nationnews, how come wunna ent open wunna mout and voice wunna opinion when ROY MORRIS(former editor @ the nation) get charger for F***ing a 15 or 16 year old girl, and i remember he was the head one talking bout the youth this and that. Once again HYPOCRITES
flogging : 10/20/2009
it better to be done know then to wait till the police beat them if it was so u dint hearing a word all u will hear is my son is a good boy
RE: J. Payne; : 10/20/2009
This is a Republic NOT one big Plantation! SO despite what you and the mentally sadistic colonial slave conditioned generation & lot think..You have to respect the laws of Barbados, if you are civilised NOT do as you like. You just dont seem to get the point and are hence worse than children you put down..the Bottomline FACT is LASHING ANYBODY is an assault and it is NOT legal under Barbados laws to hit ANYONE! (IF you falsely think so.. go do some research befor you comment further) You, parents nor MOE cannot change law and authorise it. lashing policy is ULTRA VIRES of MOE.. If you dont like law of assault, write your MP representative to ask to change constitution which is supposed to protect human rights against such SUB CULTURAL DOGMA that this generational belief ii "licking" thing is , burt please DO NOT encourage illiterate lots to do as you and they like! You and some lot are using illogical sensationalized innuendos with hand picked steroe types about a minority and one off situations in North American society..The FACTS supported by researchers and the success of that soceity regarding how the majourty of people without threat of violence turn out VS those who are "licked" abused by parents or system just doesnt support your DOGMATIC COLONIAL IDEOLOGY. Respectfully, FEE MINDED P.S Editor... Kindly do not sensor my reply
Ha. Well what about the Singapore example? : 10/20/2009
Singapore hands out licks like it is nobodies business. Adults and all can get licks legally imposed and yet today Singapore has one of the best standards of living. It has one of the lowest crime rates anywhere on the globe... Why don't anti-floggers ask: "Do you want Barbados to end up like Singapore?"
: 10/20/2009
I am in total agreement with REUBEN HAYNES.I do not agree with the person who said shut up to Mr. Haynes. Why Mr. Haynes should shut up.He is correct in what he is saying and anybody who opposes him and endorses flogging are not right in their heads. What happened to talking to and guiding a child. Anyone who resorts to beating a child has failed in guiding that child. What about PERSUASION ?
Stop It! : 10/20/2009
Please stop comparing problems in Barbados to those in the U.S. You make absolutely no sense. What you fail to understand is that the U.S. is a very large place that hides nothing from the world so bad news will always travel faster than good! Time and time again I read your negative remarks particularly about the United States' educational system. Everyone one knows their system is not perfect however the facts are that most Bajans that immigrate to the States end up in the inner cities where education is sub-par. The reality is that America is a lot more than inner cities and is in fact a nation of great higher learning institutions, innovators and very intelligent people. I attended a high school with a student body of 3,000 and a college of over 30,000 in the U.S. and I never encountered a metal detector or obscene violence. However, as a child I went to primary school in Barbados and experienced guidance and encouragement from some teachers while witnessing acts of atrocities and terrible beatings inflicted on students but others.I even watched in horror one unforgettable day as a parent and teacher openly fought in the school yard over the beating of a child. I'm confident that the incident was never reported to the authorities like so many other occurrences. As bad as my experiences may have been I certainly know better than to label the entire Barbadian culture barbaric. The next time you refer negatively to America consider this, they invented the airplanes,internet,vaccines, PCs and cars you currently depend on, provide most of the food you eat and goods you consume, even the satellites that provide you with pertinent weather and news information. Irrational, ungodly, stupid people cannot be responsible for all those things that you now take for granted! Give Americans some due credit besides, the gave the world Barack Obama!
Re: Free Minded. : 10/19/2009
The fact of the matter is sometimes children need guidance to learn the 'right and the wrong' way. And grown ups must do it. Some children will have a harder time listening until you take it to the extreme and then they learn that there are consequences for their actions. I am saying if it takes a little corrective punishment to make the children respect the teacher in the classroom then so be it. I support that school because although I am not there, I would like to believe they have tried doing without this punishment and they may well have returned to it and perhaps yielded results by using it. It is one thing for students to be coming forward and showing that they've been outright abused, beating until the skin is raw or bones are broken or anything like that. It is another thing entirely to have a head teacher tell the student to hold out the palm of their hand and to get a whack on the palm or something like that. All I say is compare the US model to the Barbados model. The schools in the United States are in a mess and upside down. Students are taking matters into their own hands and bringing guns to school and all kind of things to "settle" their own affairs. If the teachers are in charge you don't have all that nonsense.
Licks in School : 10/19/2009
I agree that children need to be discipline, but humiliating a child in public is totally ridiculous and Dr. Victor Agard should be ashamed of himself. I wonder if the Ministry of Education in Barbados is going to discipline Mr Agard. I think they should,and hope they do. This is the year 2009,not 1899, shame shame shame, shame on you Mr. Agard. It is questionable how you got your doctorate,I don't think that you studied psychology, otherwise you would have known better. I attended school in Barbados in the seventies and never got that kind of treatment from a teacher. There must be a better way. Bajan In Toronto.
: 10/19/2009
TO Rueben Haynes: SHUT UP!!!!.
: 10/19/2009
How many students were late at 10:00 am in the morning?
Public flogging : 10/19/2009
These are not the days when the children had to bring water, feed the stock, clean the pig pens and then walk to school or hitch a ride on a donkey cart. They should be early. They must take what they got. God forbid that they were shot while in the street. Another story.
Flogging : 10/19/2009
Mike in Toronto, maybe if we had Somali or Saudi laws, less of our children would be criminals. How can you Compare cutting off a hand and foot for stealing and women being flogged in the public square for wearing a bra to children being flogged in the school yard with their clothes on, no skin contact? Ya ignorant A**!! Maybe we should hire you to take care of these children. You and all the other geni's A****!
Licks in School : 10/19/2009
In my son's Jr High school, in New York (the place where most bajans think that ya can't cut ya children's arse) A West Indian mother, after getting repeated complaints about her son, went to the school with a broom stick, the boy got such a beating in front of the whole class that the broom stick broke in two. She never got another complaint about him again. Bajans profess to be God-fearing, yet they cut out the parts of the bible that does not sit well with the. Spare not the rod least ye spoil the child. And I am not a "Christian".
: 10/19/2009
Betcha he won't be late again!
: 10/19/2009
Joy in UK, you stay right there and hope the Teddy Boys don't ever come back!!!!! ahaha
Suggestion - a Youth Service for the Under-16 set : 10/19/2009
Ok, here's an actual suggestion. There was a lovely article yesterday about this year's valedictorian at the Barbados Youth Service and he spoke glowingly about how it helped turn him around from a ruffian in trouble with the law into an enterprising young man. The discipline and regimented nature of the BYS seems to do well for a lot of wayward young people. Thing is, you can't join the Youth Service until you're 16 - by that time it is sometimes too late. What about a similar, military type school for younger offenders who are not old enough to join the Youth service yet but are old enough to be raising hell at school and getting suspended all the time? From many accounts, the current 'suspension school' Edna Nicholls doesn't really do much. The students aren't there long enough for any change to be made to their behaviour since they only spend a week or two there (though some seem to be there on an installment plan) and it doesn't have the regimentation of a military school or youth service.
This is not new : 10/19/2009
I got my first flogging when I was in primary school for being late and it was a self inflicted lateness. I was doing what others were doing. Suffice to say, I did not liked being flogged and today I have a huge respect for time and for the head master's belt. I know what the text books teaches us about abuse and one thing I have learned is life is very different outside of a text book. Can we say the prinipal of St. leonards is abusing these kids? is that term not a bit harsh to be applying here? Is he making them bleed? Beating them everyday? Destroying their self concept? Easily we can abuse a child by just berating him/her and this is harder to see. I also know what the text says about deviant behavior and if it is not nipped it in the initial stage it will grow and spread. The children that grace our shores are not like the kids of yesterday.We have moved away from any form of discipline and have given them so much freedom that they do as they please. They are 14 yrs old and their boy friends sleep in their beds at night.Our children are in a state of anomie where anything goes, and any attempt to bring some normalcy will be met with the rhetoric of abuse. Maybe better solutions can be identified and implemented but we don't really know that the principal have not attempted to curb chronic lateness. Barbados is not the same, our children are not the same and talking don't always work.
: 10/19/2009
Go ahead Barbados ! We boast of our independence yet we pander and follow all the crap The US has to offer .This was what i believe to be the Genesis of SOME of the problems we have now . DO NOT FLOG SCHOOL CHILDREN IT IS BARBARIC .DO NOT SEND THEM HOME THEY MAY BE INJURED WHILE GOING HOME OR MEET ON A MISHAP .LINES ACHIEVE NOTHING Do like the North Americans do lecture them .Take away their privileges . HAAAAAAAAA. We as parents and a nation should know our children and our wards . Not everyone will respond to the flogging but some will .What works on Kareem will not work on Akeem . We need to be forceful in our corrective methods ( if punishment sounds cruel) If we had disciplined our children we would not be reaping a crop of criminals ,deviants and those who simply seem to want to flout every law made . To the commentator who thinks because the teacher has locks so he should not be doing it you are a fool ! I wonder what the A in front of your Jones stand for ? A**. Locks does not mean that he is a sell out to the so called system . Alot more like him that discipline their offspring and try to tell the truth to the young people and their peers will do this island a good . In Canada the children call the police and the authorities .They do not get flogged .But they get sent home ,sent out of the peoples schools , then the state takes over and they go to an institution " mental for those that are "troubled " . Aint that good punishmeent .BEND THE TREE WHEN IT YOUNG . No wonder we have so many wayward children as old as 3 years . Maybe the children and grands of some posters here who thinks it is a step backward ! Do not do anything now wait untill from 2 years and up that the children buss some of your eyes and elswhere and have all the protection and the rights of the state and other bleeding hearts . We wonder what people say around the world ? It may say we can think for ourselves . They may think that they need to do the samt thing . LET US BE THE LEADERS THIS TIME AND NOT THE FOLLOWERS .See how following has done to us ? We go the wrong road . Spare the rod ......
My dear 55 yr old "PENSONER" : 10/19/2009
Let me just firstly state, I too didn't attend HC or QC, however it is quite clear you missed or were beaten too much as a result of failing the spelling test. Maybe, if you too would have come to school early and/or learn your words at night, you would not be making errors like "PENSON", "ELETIST" and the like. Obviously, even at the tender age of 55 you still feel as if you are in a competition with members of the other schools. On another note, HC alum I completeIy agree with your comment and don't see anything wrong with giving the students licks for coming to school late. As clearly stated by RB, i honestly prefer to see a licks picture any day over a court pic after being charged. Growing up, every one got licks at school and that wasn't too long ago. So my dear PENSONER, please take the time out when you retire and catch up on those lovely words and their definitions, we can't afford for you to be getting punished on these blogs anymore. Just sayin'
Licks : 10/19/2009
I've been reading these posts and here my comments: 1)To the poster who reasons that there is so much child abuse in Barbados becuase of flogging in schools, I wonder if those children in the foster care system where you live are all orphans . After all from your post, no flogging at home or school = no child abuse right!?! therefore no need to remove children from abusive homes. 2)Why do we always assume that what's good for the goose is good for the gander! So in North America you don't want to lash your children ok. well in B'dos we do! 3)I will lash my child and no I do not see it as abuse or bullying however, I am all for alternate forms of correction. The bottom line is children need to be disciplined. Fine if you don't lash them but you still need to DISCIPLINE since we do NOT want a socieity filled with hoodlums and bandits. There in lies my problem. We don't lash neither do we discipline or correct our children so they grow up thinking that they world owes them something and they can still do as they like. "Spare the rod and spoil the child." You can take it literally or figuratively. We the adults of today are responsible for shaping those of tomorrow. Nuff said!!
Public flogging : 10/19/2009
Reminds me of sharia--Saudi Arabia,Iran, Sudan,Somalia and other such jurisdictions. Is this what is meant by Africa liberation?
: 10/19/2009
One doesn't have to be "unGodly" to be a criminal."Godly people don't have a monopoly on morals.There are large numbers of "Godly individuals who commit crimes and go to prison and some are never caught.
Illegal! : 10/19/2009
Illegal? Assualt! Sue them! J. Payne you are wrong.
: 10/19/2009
A man with a doctorate and a calypsonian at that wearing dread locks should have been more sensitive in this matter. Flogging is wrong and harps back to slavery- then to do it for the world to see is doubly wrong. THIS WAS A PUBLIC FLOGGING. THIS story has gone all over the world via the internet and we have to take this into consideraion because this reality has turned the matter into a public /worldwide situation.
More Licks : 10/19/2009
I am from from the days when licks was a serious punishment (1956 to 1970) and all students knew what to expect when U went wrong. Today we are the better for it...Check the boardrooms and high offices. The school children of today don't get flogged and are always in trouble with the law....Flogging MUST be a part of school. St.Giles/Modern High School
Alternatives : 10/19/2009
I am all for community service, school service, eat their lunch other than with their friends, or even detention any thing like that. They can be picked up from their class and escorted to detention by a teacher. How about in school suspension which is served all day in a room away from eveyone else, they even eat lunch there and teachers send their work there for them to do. There is a person in that room all day. This person does not have to be a teacher, so they can be hired for less. But they should be strict becasuse they are not their to be their friend. We have all ISS in place at my school and for most it works, of course there is that 1% that some need more intervention.
SCHOOL FLOGGING : 10/18/2009
I AM ONE HUNDRED PERCENT FOR THIS ACTION STILL GOING ON IN BIM, SOME ONE HAVE TO TAKE A STANCE, ITS THE PARENT/TEACHER DEALING WITH THIS OR THE POLICE/COURT /JAIL WHO EVENTUALLY HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS.
SCHOOL FLOGGING : 10/18/2009
I GUESS ANY ONE WHO DONT SUPPORT THIS ACTION CANNOT BE A PROPER PARENT, ITS EITHER THE PARENT/TEACHER DO IT OR THE POLICE/COURT /JAIL DO IT I SUPPORT IT ONE HUNDRED PERCENT. ( BAJAN PARENT LIVING IN NY)
: 10/18/2009
REUBEN HAYNES PSY.D with respect to the learned gentleman, I will like you to volunteer some time during the week at some schools, PLEASE I SAID VOLUNTEER TIME and lecture these habitual late students. Then compare the results with schools that flog the late students. Please make the analogy, public. In the mean time, Dr Agard flog their behinds until the students adhere to the school policies. We are fighting to keep our youths off the streets, and out of JAIL.
Getting Licks for Lateness : 10/18/2009
There is only one observation and comment that I wat to make about flogging students. Why not give the parents a good flogging while we are it? Just use a bigger paddle, a bigger enforcer, and perform the ritual in public. I believe that the parents are largely responsible for this anti-social behavior that is played out by their children in the public school system. The flogging of children cannot be justified for any reason, flogging is worng and immoral at any age. It is too bad that we cannot get a live presentation from the slaves that suffered the indignity of flogging from the hands, or the orders of their master. My parents taught me the importance of respect and responsibility in every day life. I was never late without a good excuse; the excuses given today are mostly copouts.
Flogging : 10/18/2009
Here in Canada at my son's school, after a number of late arrivals it's considered an absence. Parents are called immediately when a child is late or absent. When a student reaches 3 absences in a course the parent will be contacted. After 5 absences a letter is sent home. Upon 8 absences a student may be withdrawn from the course and placed on an attendance contract. Parents and students have the right to appeal at this point. Students remain in class until the outcome of the appeal. Students who violate the appeal contract upon the 12th absence may be withdrawn from a course or school. Administration may withdraw students if interventions due to chronic lateness have not been successful. The student will then have to apply at another school and repeat those failed courses. At the beginning, I was not in favor of suspension because I saw it as a reward but it does work. Parents don't want children at home and will personally escort them to school on time. Students have to fight harder to gain admission at another school and with no education or job skills, they find it difficult to gain employment and parents won't let them stay home idle. My friend is an educator at a school in Toronto and he really looks at the reason why a student is late. In some cases, it's a miracle they get to school at all. They may be afraid because someone's bullying them. They may not have food or bus fare and in some cases are leaving an abusive atmosphere but are trying to get to school anyway. A teacher in Calgary bought bread and jam to school due to the fact that some students were homeless and hungry. One has to consider the reason for being late on a case by case basis before punishing a child and the punishment shouldn't be public humiliation.
Alternative : 10/18/2009
In the world of work being late results in loss of business, opportunity, reputation and chance to progress. Both adults and kids need to understand that being late does not just affect them, it also affects the progress of their peers, teachers, supervisors, customers and others dependending on them. Often we joke about "Bajan time" but we need to get rid of this from our culture. Perhaps as an alternative punishment, late-comers to school need to somehow have the consequences of being late made more visible. School kids need to understand that education is their privilege and duty. How about creating a system of merit such that students lose some % of grades for being late without excuse but have the opportunity to gain them back through academic excellence, sport, leadership, community work, cleaning? For example, make 10-20% of the final grade be just for this purpose: "community and leadership". Imagine the fear of stopping down as a result of being late or not being community-minded.... of course this has some additional overhead. Flogging is dangerous, as some kids might already have a negative opinion (unfair, violent, uncaring...) of adults and perceive flogging as proof of their opinion. I am not totally against it, but am aware of the risks and suggest that the whole objective of punishment be considered a bit more seriously.
Licks like peas: : 10/18/2009
The nation news should not ask for for comments,and then refuses to print comments it disagrees with.Your role as a newspaper is to REPORT PERIOD.Proud Bajan saya those of us who have left don't contribute to the Island,what about our U.S and CANADIAN $ THAT WE HAVE SENT BACK OVER MANY YEARS TO SUPPORT OUR FAMILIES? WHAT ABOUT THE MONEY WE SPEND WHILE ON VACATION? MAYBE YOUR PRIME MINISTER SHOULD STOP VISITING US EACH YEAR,ASKING US TO INVEST IN BARBADOS.
J. Payne you are wrong! Think what you want but Please respect the law of barbados : 10/18/2009
Yo need to to to amazon books and read a book about mental and psycological slavery. Your thinking is too shallow, colonial and irrational. On top of that, Why do we have laws?? It is a pity what you think, I respect you having an opinion, even though I disagree, but you, MOE and illiterate masses must learn to just RESPECT THE LAW..and the law does not allow anyone to authorise nor hit children or anyone. Write your MP if you want it changed. You think this is AFGAN or CONGO!.
If flogging is a Panacea... : 10/18/2009
If flogging children is a panacea that will set them straight then answer me these questions: Why aren't we flogging Bajan workers who turn up for work late? Why aren't we flogging Bajan civil servants who treat the public like dirt and give half day's work for a full days pay? Why aren't we flogging Bajan workers who register the highest absentee rates of any workers anywhere in the world? Why aren't we flogging teenage girls who produce children without fathers or with multiple fathers out of wedlock? Why aren't we flogging boys and men who get girls pregnant and then abandon the children? Why aren't we flogging Bajan lawyers who abscond with people's money? Why aren't we flogging teachers who enter into sexual liaisons with the school girls under their care? Why aren't we flogging corrupt politicians? Whey are we flogging drug dealers and the big shots who import and distribute drugs it Barbados? Why aren't we flogging teachers who drink alcohol in the staff rooms of some Bajan schools? Clearly smart Bajans have discovered the solution to all the problems that plague that society. All they have to do now is apply it universally and all will be well in paradise.
Sending them home won't work! : 10/18/2009
Well, well, well. I cannot believe that so many commenters are suggesting that the school simply 'send the children back home' for lateness as if that is a proper solution. One, the MINISTER OF EDUCATION is on record as lashing out at principals for sending home children for misdemeanours and warning them that if any of the children fall into trouble or danger after being sent home, that it will be on the school. Mind you, this same minister is also against corporal punishment. So you're damned if you do and damned if you don't. Second, sending these children home is ineffective because THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT THEY WANT. They do NOT want to go to class and would be happy to be sent home so they can go lime on the block with the older fellows or watch tv at home. So you will be effectively REWARDING them (in their minds) for misbehaviour. So what else can you do? Make them write lines? A jokified punishment to their minds. Suspend them? Then they get to stay home which is what they want anyway. Detention? If you can't get them to come into school on time, how are you going to get them to stay after school? Many of these children are so hardears they will simply not turn up to detention - they don't care. SO WHAT DO YOU BLEEDING HEARTS PROPOSE? I am reading lots of criticism, but few tangible suggestions.
Henceforth Moral/Social Decline : 10/18/2009
I wish for some of you to ponder this. Look at the statistics of crime in Barbados, look at the statistics of drop outs, dreadlocks on the corners, drug dealers, etc. I suspect that much of our moral decline started when we like fools started copying the ways of the not so wise up north. Very soon we will have any mention of God in our schools stopped should it offend some unGodly group. We will stop teaching Religious Knowledge. Soon metal detectors will become common place. With no discipline in schools, parents now becoming afraid of said students, we will be raising a set of unGodly criminal young people. Wake up and see what is happening here people. Stop the foolish QC and HC arguments. If I'm not mistaken flogging was allowed at all secondary schools in Bim. Not sure whats happening now. But then Bim is Bim no more, really.
: 10/18/2009
I cant believe that people could support FLOGGING. You PEOPLE IGNORANT OR WHAT?- You need to go and study Slavery and what was done to black people. CHEESE ON BREAD MAN !-PEOPLE COULD BE SO IGNORANT THOUGH ?
Back to the Basic : 10/18/2009
Before political correctness, psychologists and lawyers the world had to be a better place. I wonder how many of the students that got flogged where habitual late comers? How many of the parents recognized their children tardiness and did something about it? The option of flogging is in the arsenal of the school, should remain, and used as is necessary. A good flogging does not translate into abuse. I wonder why so many our schoolchildren are failing? Can it be that we have adopted every new fangled thing that come without looking back into history? Remember in Barbados when your neighbor could disciple your child. Back to Basics. I am sure that when the school bell tolled the following day it tolled in many of the previous day latecomer’s ear.
Abolish corporal punishment . : 10/18/2009
Corporal punishment should be abolished in schools . This tantamouts to a "Public flogging" which belongs to a bygone era .
Spare what rod? : 10/18/2009
Nothing changes but change. So it seems. This is physical punishment inflicted on a child by an adult. If this is not a form of bullying, abuse on a child then, l dont know what it is. Now, some people believe in this form of punishment because it works. While it is true that hitting a child hard enough will temporarily stop an undesirable behavior. The fact is, this form of punish ment does not deter the (any) behavior, and is abusive in most circumstances. Also, there are always physical and psychological injuries. Adults do not like to be hit or embarrassed in public. Do the authorities think that children like to be beaten or embarrassed in public because they are late for school? Children who are beaten in public may feel unloved, angry, helpless, worthless, and embarrassed. Yes, children need to be disciplined, to have limits set, to learn to distinguished right or wrong, to make appropriate decisions, and to exhibit self-control. Call it spanking or beating them is not the way to do, or to make children be on time for school, or to do anything. They can be thought a more acceptable approach to obeying rules and regulations. Beating a child because he/she is late for school without the chance of that child explaining why the lateness is the beginning of the child's introduction to a violent world with violent adults hence, anti-social behaviors and other psychological problems. Dr. Agard needs to take the place of a child getting flogged for a stupid excuse of being late. Maybe he will undertand the pain these children are being inflicted with. It is nothing more than child abuse.
Getting licks for lateness : 10/18/2009
To your photographers and reporters. You were not just passing the road when this happened. You had to be called by a nosey bajan who does not understand that these students are wasting my taxpayer money. Can you try driving around on mornings and see the number of students who are in no haste to get to school on time. The students who are breaking EVERY school rule in regards to school dress, the ones whose mouth are like cesspools and have no respect for God, man nor the devil. SOMEONE has to drag back some form of discipline in our schools. DR. AGARD, DO WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO TO SAVE THESE SAME BOYS FROM THE GOVERNMENT SCHOOL OR HMP AT DODDS. We who who lashed at school, don't have wraped minds, are violent or have been scarred for life. We have become decent, well balanced individuals who are making a significant contribution to Barbados. Willing to try anything to save our children.
flogging : 10/18/2009
everybody will talk .but if a letter come home saying your child was absent for some length of time u will not no y because if there stay a way and get to school late that is absent so the flogging is showing u some thing .when school start go to eagle and see how mush of those children are there on morning just stay in up and will not go on to school parents start to think let us save the children
*stupes* keep the licks nuh. : 10/18/2009
They should keep-on licking... Because some children are too hard-ears until they get a good set of licks to bring them back to reality. Have you ever seen an inner-city public school classroom in places like America??? No discipline whatsoever. The students are the ones there running the teachers, and about 10% of the class time is spent by teachers trying to get the whole class to come to order. Some parents don't bring-up their children properly, and they simply turn their children loose on the school to cause havoc. Well, if the kids aren't getting the discipline at home, and if school can't do it either one can quickly see why the schools in American and Britain are in the state they are in.... (This isn't just me saying this, it was in the BBC too -- http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/1867513.stm )These parents are too busy working and trying to make ends meet to devote as much time as they should to their kids and these are the kids that end up in all kinds of problems. I say- if the teacher is able to have licks at their disposal for severe cases *and* if it can actually bring the class to attention then let the licks flow. All it takes is a handful of mischievous students to ruin a whole class, and cause the rest to act out because they think it is "cool". If the teacher needs to correct those few using extreme measures then so be it. If the students still don't want to hear, then kick their backside out of that school and put them into a boarding/military school where they can get as much attention as what they need. Even the United States knew that by inflicting a little pain now and again on the Taliban members when they wouldn't cooperate that they would all suddenly cooperate. "Who don't hear gon' feel: works good enough. Keep up the licks.
: 10/17/2009
flogging is wrong. somebody should be charged
: 10/17/2009
And we wonder why today's society is more violent than ever? There is no doubt that school is the appropriate place for enforcement of rules but it is foremost an institution of learning. What lessons are we passing on to youngsters when we continuously demonstrate that the only way to curb deviant behavior is through inflicting pain on others? Does this really work? What if just one of those boys had a legitimate reason for his tardiness? Would he be able to explain is way out of a public beating? What if he chose to do the natural thing and defend himself would society then deem him a deviant? Not even the inmates at Dodds are treated in this manner! I'm sure that most of these children are in need of correction and even punishment in most cases but is corporal punishment the only way? This may seem harmless to most but remember that these children eventually become adults and this ineffective cycle of violent humiliation is our enduring legacy. Please stop the madness!
Head master a COWARD : 10/17/2009
I check that the teacher gaving out the licks had the blessing of the principal. Yet , when the media turn up he order it stopped, and allowed those children outside to come in unpunished, I asked then , what was the point? Not only did the principal undermine his own Authority at the school, with his decision to stop the punishment action , but he made the senior teacher look like a fool and a scape goat. Man in my time , ever body would have gotten beaten that day. Flogging is a part of the Barbadian school culture. Those who have gone overseas and get culturized differently will not understand these actions, becuasaed they have been indoctrinated to see these line of action as physcal abuse. Yeah that the preception they reeducated those living outside of this country with, up north. Fristly . we are classifled as a thrid-world country, therefore third-world standads would permitted and excepted and accepted, secondly we are a majority Afro -caribbbean nation, from which a culture of roughness and toughness is excepted of individauls, , our society has also become very verbally assertive within the last few decades as well. Here is not Canada or Briton o,r America where you can not hit a child, here we place physical treatment out to deviant youngsters. it works for the mojarity. our socicety is one of toughness, an masculine feature, and not soft and feminized like up in those northern regions we physiacally displine our children. It works for most. Talking just dont get the message through, because these yougster these DAY WILL TALK BACK. So flooging is a part of our School culture. So to the head Master,next time you implyemnt a policy, stick to it,and dont back down, you disappointed alot of people and made the senior teacher look like a fool, following your directives. THE REAL problerm with indispline is really come form out of all the pressure groups and international organistaion, who seem to think they methods of application are workable universally. Thats a delusion.
: 10/17/2009
To flog or not to flog should be the decision of the parent. Flogging is child abuse. David Morris PhD, either you are contradicting yourself or you are saying that it is okay for parents to abuse their children. Allowing children to come to school two hours late on a regular basis is at best neglect and at worse, abuse. I say flog them. Flogging them in public, I am ambivalent about that. I have no problem with the embarrasment caused to the students. They should be embarassed to be sooooooo late in the first place. At least the public will see it was a normal school flogging and not any of the brutalisation of former times. Quite frankly I send my child to school to be taught and if he flaunts the school rules, I would much rather he be flogged and sent back to the class room than to be suspended and thus be deprived of valuable teaching. As a parent I would be so ashamed if I found out that one of the children so late to school was mine.
Flogging is barbaric. : 10/17/2009
I went to that school the G-Man spoke of and the teachers who love to flog had a name for his leather whip. When we left class 3 for class 4, a friend of mine never turn up for class and one day he was brought to school and was asked what was his reason, he said that he`s afraid of that teacher. I do not know if he had finished school there. Who been to that school would know that teacher`s name. H
: 10/17/2009
Thanks ameribarcruz. You are the first person that offered What I consider, sensible, feasible alternatives to hitting.
When will this nonsense stop? : 10/17/2009
Over twenty years ago I had a run in with the then headmaster at what used to be Water Street boys school about teachers hitting my son. Dont get me wrong, children showing up that late at school should be given some type of punishment, but floggingis not it. Back then it being hit for not knowing the answer to a question asked by the teacher. I complained to the Ministry of Education and they told me that is way thing were in Barbados. I picked up my children and moved back overseas. I love this island, but they need to get real. My child is now a productive citizen serving in Japan. Go figure. Flogging is stupid and senseless, find another method of punishment, make them pick up trash, clean up the lunchroom, bathroom or something. Stop hitting!
Licks : 10/17/2009
Flogging is a deterrent? What backwardness! The contributor "justice" is on the right track by concluding that the teacher is a pervert. Whipping is a part of sexually deviant behaviour and some teachers look forward to children misbehaving so that they can "get their freak on" by perpetrating this act on the children with impunity and to their heart's content. I went to a primary school where the headteacher was one of these persons with a beating fetish. She would get up and say "let us pray" when she saw any large group of students approaching the school even if it was not quite time for school to start. No one could enter the school once prayers had started. At the end of prayers all those on the outside would all be beaten with relish. Did it stop lateness by students? It never did. Licks a deterrent from criminal activity? Then how come nearly 90 percent of criminals in jail in the USA were beaten as kids, in a country where beating is outlawed?
Flogging : 10/17/2009
The problem is, when I was attending school in Barbados 28 years ago, there was flogging and it was mostly boys. Too many men have scars from this. Domestic violence against women and children can occur in later life. People say it doesn't hurt anyone but they're wrong. Emotional scars are sometimes worse than physical. Take the case of the recently deceased Michael Jackson for example. As a child he threw up at the sight of his father and carried emotional pain his whole life. The parents should have been called to the school to take the children home with a warning that the children would face suspension and the parents held responsible if it happened again. Most importantly, they need to get to the root of the problem. WHY did those boys come to school so late?
Licks like peas. : 10/17/2009
I see nothing wrong with flogging. I was flogged twice wrongfully, once for low scores in a test and once when there was a fight and a whole class got flogged. I was afraid of floggings so I did everything to avoid it. I can assure you that some of those flogged will not be tardy again so it works! It didnt make me, my sibblings nor the children in my time criminals or bullies. If parents and teachers dont flog then the police might flog and that will be alot worse. Teach our children to obey school rules NOW.In prision you dont have a choice, they tell you when to eat, sleep,etc. Isn't it strange there is more violence in our schools since we chose not to punish our children. Must we follow USA in everything. Soon it will be considered backwards to have prayers in our schools. LORD HAVE MERCY.
Licks : 10/17/2009
Black Bess to the rescue : 10/16/2009 This man deserves a medal. Over 2 hours late for school!!! In my days we senior prefects were at the gate taking names, the students were subsequently placed in detention in the evenings and made to do homework or write lines. That was true for me too BUT the perfects never wrote down the names of their friends who were late, including other perfects.
Flogging : 10/17/2009
Just send those children straight home if they don't have a valid reason for being late. Flogging is outdated and cruel. It doesn't solve anything. A recent study found children who were flogged have a lower I.Q and violence only leads to violence.
Balanced picture : 10/17/2009
This is all well and good to put on a public display of what teachers can do when rules are being broken. But this is one side of the coin. I want to see the other side too. I want public displays of what is being done to make sure that children are protected from vices within the school gates. When children require assistance against inappropriate behaviours and abuse by peers and adults please let us see what the response to that also looks like.
Flogging a deterrent : 10/17/2009
Neal you are an ignoramus, people like you destination is jail. Hope you don't have any children! Flogging let the students know, they will be punished for their crimes, a deterrent from a life of criminal activites that you are so ardently promoting.
LICKS : 10/17/2009
$55000.00 year pensioner!! Stop being so blinded by who went to school where and go back and read AND try to understand what HC alumni said in his comments
: 10/17/2009
that man is a pervert!
Flogging : 10/17/2009
In my days i would put 2 body slams on that headmaster and leave him on the pavement hollering for murda.
flogging : 10/17/2009
Stop the flogging it is a sick act.Some people talk about flogging is good it is outdated and came from slavery how many white kids are being flog,do you think that white people agree to people flogging their children,do youthink you can hit a child anywhere in europe.Bajans better get real thats why we have some many young people going to prison today because of the flogging.Some of these teachers cant even flog their own children.
Where are the Parents? : 10/17/2009
If your kids are bieng raised right a lot of what teachers have to deal with would be non-existent, plain and simple. If the parents do not respect the school and it's rules and help in enforcing them a these things happen out of frustrations. The students need discipline, self-respect and respect for authority. These are developed in the HOME. I DO NOT agree with what Pidgeon is doing but it should not have come to this. The parents are accountable too.
Flogging : 10/17/2009
I praise the Lord that finally discipline is returning to the St. Leonard Boys School, these are days for rejoicing. I was flogged at school and is better for it. My son is Canadian born and knew that any bad behavior at school would not be tolerated. Parents should set rules for their kids, and enforce them. These kids are the future of tomorrow! Proverbs: Listen my son to a father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. Training and discipline begin at home. Parents asist the schools with the task ahead, of equipping your children towards a wonderful future. Flogging! Way To Go Barbados.
licks in schools : 10/17/2009
This is insanity and flogging accomplishes nothing. Flogging for being late? Don't hit my child, but that's just me.
: 10/17/2009
IT'S WRONG, IT'S INHUMANE, IT'S BACKWARD, IT'S TRAUMATISING AND I COULD GO ON AND ON. BY THE WAY DR. AGARD, WHO IS FLOGGING YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN? I'M SURE BECAUSE OF YOUR SO CALL TITLE IN BIM AND YOUR CONNECTIONS NO ONE IS LAYING A HAND ON THEM. TO THE NEW YORKER WHO THINK YOU ARE A HERO (MAYBE SOME STUPID RELATIVE OF DR. AGARD) ARE YOU AN EDUCATOR IN NY? I GUESS NOT BUT IF YOU ARE, I'M SURE THAT YOU WOULD NOT EVEN DARE TO THINK OR EVEN TRY FLOGGIN ONE OF YOUR STUDENTS IN NY AND WE KNOW WHY. SO WHY ARE YOU ENCOURAGING THIS TYPE OF BEHAVIOR. COME ON EVERYONE, THIS IS THE 21ST CENTURY. LET WORK AT CREATING BETTER SOLUTIONS TO RESOLVING ISSUES AND STOP THIS BARBARIC BEHAVIOR. ATLANTA BAJAN
Licks : 10/17/2009
Where are the truancy officers, the police and more importantly, the PARENTS? Everyone is talking about the licks but missing the point that these children are 2 hours late for school. I am sure that they were on the streets of Barbados so they were seen by many yet no-one was concern enough to alert the school. Where was the media then, perhaps it was not sensational enough to put in the news. In another 10 years these young men are going to be fully entrenched in society as adults with no respect for law and order, what will we say then? This country is going down a funny path and all the "psychologists" out there are going to wake up and find that they are not safe anymore because of the excuses we make for indiscipline. For those "bajans" overseas; look at the product of your enlightened thinking and then get back to me. Your way has not worked either so give me a break. I think that parents should be held responsible for children getting to school late by dragging them before the law courts then you will see an improvement.
: 10/17/2009
Schools run by the people with the modern methods are out of control. Sure these people can copy the jargon of the psychology industry, but New York made assault on a teacher a felony to protect the defenceless teachers from children. Who is going to go to jail? More black and latino kids. Shouting modern does not make it sensible. Barbados must keep control of its discipline in schools or the whole society is lost. Dr. Agard do not be distracted by those whose understanding of modern is to copy cat failed systems. Education has been the salvation of Barbados and discipline and respect for school rules has always been a vital part of the process. To the poster here who wants to bring Dr. Agard to Brooklyn, I don't know the man, but I am sure he has been there and that it is precisely that type of thing that passes for education in Brooklyn, from which he wants to save his students. More power to Dr. Agard.
Flogging : 10/17/2009
To all those people who are against the flogging, and has better ideas of what to do about these kids, offer those ideas, but please do not condem these the teachers and principals, they are only trying their best with your delinquent kids. Would it be better if they just let them come whenever or not at all and say or do nothing. Everyone is referencing USA Canada and England's system. Do you really want schools in Barbados to be like USA schools?
FLOGGING STUDENTS : 10/17/2009
THIS ACTION OF FLOGGING STUDENTS FOR LATENESS NEED TO STOP.NO ONE THAT IS NOT RELATED TO A STUDENT SHULD BE ALLOUD TO STRICK THEM.THE SCHOOL NEED TO FIND OTHER WAYS OF DISCIPLINE FOR STUDENTS.SUCH AS DETENTION.OR SOME OTHER MEANS THAT WILL TEACH THEM TO BE MORE RESPONSIBLE
Licks for lateness. : 10/17/2009
Now I understand why there is so much domestic abuse in the homes of some Barbadians,It is part of the teachings in the schools. No school child or student should be spanked, flogged, or physically abused by school principles or teachers. This method is one of psycholical and physical abuse and is a step in the wrong direction. And to make matters worst it is being done in full view of the public. What about the clild care board and its youth protection system? what do they have to say about this? and why was this newspaper allowed to publish a photograph of an adolescent with out permission of his parent or guardian? What criminal offence did this adolescent commit to deserve a flogging in public view and to be seen around the world. Wake up Barbados.
Flogging = Slavery? Huh? : 10/17/2009
What does slavery have to do with indiscipline and disobedient children? I think it is soo funny how people always talking about african slavery and yet none of them were even slaves themselves. Heck, I know I was not a slave since I was born so it has nothing to do with me. It was a long-- far off era and way past time to move on. Slavery is long ago history in these parts. Although I guess some just want to complain about it, just for the sake of doing so.
Way to go sir. : 10/17/2009
Great it is looooong overdue. I also attended St Giles in the good days when you had to line up for "inspection." Your teeth were checked to see if they were brushed, your hair had to be properly combed, your face washed and underneath your nails had to be clean. Behind your ears were also checked. We adhered to these and other standards of decency so we did not have to deal with Mr. Greenidge, Mr. Robinson,Mr. Gilkes, Mr. Giles, Mr. Atherley, Mr. Lowe or Mr. Morris not forgetting Mr. Massiah and his 3 inch wide strap. Few of us or our children ended up in trouble with the law. These unruly lads and "fearless" lassies who is the next generation of parents need some good old time discipline with love so as to prevent our nation from going into anarchy. By the way a man is not what he drives or where he lives. Character to live in this life and a relationship with Jesus Christ to live in peace eternally is what counts.
licks like peas. : 10/17/2009
I totally disagree and surprised at Mr. Joey Harper's comment,especially concerning the publication of this brutalizing of a human being (especially a minor)at a school of learning. How else an we try to correct our slavery mentality that seems to hinder our progress unless we see and know what goes on. Seeing is believing. I never expected this from you, who appear to champion the rights of the young. One would find it very hard to believe this atrocity if itwas not get captured in the daily news paper. We should hang our heads and cry utter shame.
Flogging : 10/17/2009
Flogging students for getting to school late is barbaric and I would have hoped that Barbadians would have moved away from such abusive practices years ago. It does not solve the problem that it is meant to address. It just creates fear and passive resistance. As a principal of a New York City High School, and a former student of St Anthony's High School in Barbados, I have a lot of experience with discipline. Flogging children is child abuse and needs to be outlawed. It is a practice most often seen in backward cultures, not one that takes pride in education and sophistication. The only people who need to be flogged in this situation is the principal, the minister of education, and the prime minister. To hit or not to hit should be a decision of a parent or guardian,not the school. That type of behavior is a remnant of slavery and we should be ashamed to do it. It needs to stop. David Morris, PhD Long Island, New York
Reply to the BAJAN IN VA : 10/16/2009
I guess that your students are not problematic because you must be teaching in a private school, an affluent area, with lots of parental involvement, or you must be teaching gifted and talented students. I am saying this because you would be echoing a different sentiment if you taught in an urban school district where some students are raised by wolves or where a significant number of the students are identified with learning difficulties and emotional issues. As a matter of fact, you must have never come across a student with autism or ADHD. I am yet to see the utopian school with no behavioral issues. I am just saying....
Licks for lateness. : 10/16/2009
Look HC ALUM, the reason I said what I said is because you come across like most of those I know who attended the two schools in question. Those that I know and you that I dont know seem to think that going to those schools is a passport to heaven. However, North America has leveled the playing field whereby your snobish behavior must be left at the airports when you arrive. Furthermore, you must tow the line like the rest of us because no onein North America cares about you or about the school which you attended in Barbados.In addition, the present principal of HC has gone through hell from the likes of people like YOU because he was educated at St Leonards. Finally, I hope and pray that you can find your way wherby you can go back to Barbados and live the life that you grew-up believing you would ultimately live.I will continue to speak out against people like you who condone the egregious behavior of those who create laws for the poor yet refuse to make these said laws binding upon themselves.
Licks that are Probably Well-deserved : 10/16/2009
Now people, do you know how disruptive it is to the educational process when someone walks into a class late? Not only does that student miss out on valuable instruction, but he or she interrupts instruction to the other students who choose to be on time. A teacher and students who value their education should not have to be subjected to this type of disrespectful behavior. To this end, I am elated that the school has taken a stand against this tardiness. The means by which it has done it may not be the most appropriate, but something needed to be done if tardiness is to be reduced. Additionally, I really don't understand why a student would be perpetually late for school without some parental intervention. I am pretty sure that the parents are being made aware of their children's tardiness (either directly by the school or indirectly via the report cards). Ultimately, if parents play a more active role in their children's education, then the school would not be force to render corporal punishment. I would also like the readers who reside overseas to stop comparing the way that our educational system punishes our students to that of other countries like the UK and the US. I have first hand experience as a teacher and public school administrator in the schools of one of these two aforementioned countries, and they system of punishment has not worked effectively either. At times I feel that some students do need a flogging to get them back on track, but that is just my opinion.
abuse : 10/16/2009
when one of these kids show up to school with a gun or knife and the good doctor or principal is at the receiving end,lets see all the supporters then.shame,shame,disgust.
It is not slave mentality : 10/16/2009
Please don't blame everything on slavery or slave mentality. White and non-white students in the UK got flogged by white teachers for misbehaviour and infringements of school rules etc. I know because I worked in schools in London particulary in East London. So one can hardly say that the beating of children in school or in the home has much anything to do with slavery.
licks for lateness: : 10/16/2009
DR. VICTOR AGARD DO YOUR THING. THE STUDENTS OF TODAY HAVE NO MANNERS OR RESPECT. YEARS AGO IT WAS NO PROBLEM, WHY MAKE A BIG DEAL. WHEN HE IS TEACHING THEM RESPONSIBILITIES. IF PARENTS DON'T WANT THEY KIDS GETTING LICKS FOR LATENESS. WAKE THEM UP ON TIME OR BRING THEM TO SCHOOL. I WISH IN NEW YORK THEY WOULD GIVE THE KIDS LICKS, BUT INSTEAD THEY CALL IT CHILD ABUSE. THE KIDS HERE ARE RUDE, DISRESPECFUL AND HAVE NO MANNERS AND THAT'S WHY WE HAVE SO MANY OF THEM GETTING KILL. MY DAD USED TO BEAT ME WITH A DOG HUNTER. AND WHEN I LOOK BACK AT IT, HE TAUGHT ME THINGS, I WOULD NEVER KNOW. THEY NEED TO BE BEATEN WITH DOG HUNTERS OR WHAT WE USED TO CALL THEM COW DICKIES. I KNOW THEY ARE OTHER WAYS TO PUNISH STUDENTS, BUT TALKING OR DETENSION DON'T ALWAYS WORK. SO ALL YOU PARENTS WHO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH HIS METHOD. TRAIN YOUR KIDS THAT GOING TO SCHOOL LATE WOULD EFFECT THEM IN LIFE LATER, LIKE GOING TO WORK LATE. NO JOB IS GOING TO PUT UP WITH IT. THEY WOULD FIRED THEM AND THEY WOULD BE FROM JOB TO JOB. SPARE THE ROD AND SPOIL THE STUDENTS.( CHILD)
Speak only if AUTHORISED : 10/16/2009
In response to There's Always 'The Bible Says; I am a slave of Jesus Christ. It is always interesting to hear the anti christ trying to solidify Its position with absolute naivety of the living word of God. He has never told man to sin nor to buy/sell slaves; on the other hand he has given us solutions to every aspect of life including how to nurture our children.Proverbs 22:15. I do anticipate that when you open Gods word to read that the Holy Spirit will convict you Cameron
Not in public : 10/16/2009
The decision to flog in public must be questioned, and I don’t believe it will be repeated after the justified condemnation by folks in and outside of Barbados. I saw and experienced brutal flogging when I attended Wesley Hall Boys School in the late 50s. A math teacher used to dictate problems (mental arithmetic) and almost immediately call on a student for the correct answer. An incorrect answer or failure to answer resulted in lashes and on to the next student until the correct answer was offered or the whole class was beaten. This continued for a full period, and students who could not perform under that type of pressure were guarantee 3-4 flogging any time we did mental arithmetic. Most of us cried out during those flogging, but one student in our class was extremely tough and refused to cry, and it was sad to sit and watch that teacher wear out bamboo sticks and tamarind rods as he tried to make him cry. My favorite teacher at that school never lashed students, and he is the person who told my mother I should take the 11+ exam.
Where are the PARENTS??? : 10/16/2009
I am very curious to know whether the school administrators ever contacted or notified the parents about the children's lateness. If they have not, maybe a good approad would be to make the parents aware. The bottom line is, if the parents care they will do something; if the don't care, then the school has bigger problems. Maybe it should be recognized that the teachers at school can't by themselves train the students to appreciate the importance of being ontime. Parents have a big role to play hear. As for the flogging, I am not sure that there is any real upside for the school or the adminsitrators in this day and age. I would rather suspend the students. If the parents don't get involved in solving the problem, why should the school be disrupted? Not sure that flogging really communicate anything much to the students.
Flog them : 10/16/2009
You go Dr. Agard, cut da *ss in public. All those people that are saying you should do it in the privacy of an office just want an opportunity to say that you 'brutalised' or "abused" de people children. In public everybody can see that it is just what it is. A normal acceptable school flogging. Nobody's child is being brutalised by any barbaric whipping. Research carried out on other countries' populations does not necessarily apply in Barbados. We have to do what is effective in Barbados. Suspension is counter productive rubbish. I am yet to understand how you will teach a child that is not in school. How is suspending a child going to contribute to his learning. What is he going to learn by being at home? If being at home for a week or a couple of days is okay then surely being late by two hours or more everyday must also be okay. Barbados did not achieve a high rate of literacy and a highly trainable workforce by sending home children from school. We got it by having the children in school. I too find that Barbadians who live overseas always seem to want to impose the standard and culture of their adopted homelands on Barbados. I will defend their right to opt to live in another country where they prefer the standards and social mores, where they are comfortable with a culture that says its infra dig for little black boys to aim for academic excellence. That is their choice to which they are entitled. However I resent their telling me nonsense about detention and lines and pulling out from sports teams and worse of all suspension. Detentions punish teachers for the misdeeds of students and the neglect of their parents. The only effective detention is a lunchtime detention where you can 'starve out' the deviants. But alas! modern day rules say you must allow them to eat before you detain them. So that's out. You must do soomething that will make those children come to school on time. Pulling a good player from the team hurts the whole team and in fact the whole school, for the misdeed of a single team member. Let him take his individual flogging. What I would like, is for the reporter to check back next week and tell us how many of the ones who got a cut*ss are late next week. I won't hold my breath. As for those who refer to Dr. Agard as a so-called senior teacher and wonder if he is trained, I say to you that your under-belly is showing. Did anyone ask the children why they were late? Oh give me a break. You would have to be in the dark ages to think that this is the first or second time that they are ridiculously late. And yes we do know why they are late. Because they can hang around the shops and busstand and wander in when it suits them, with no effective sanctions. I agree with Dr. Agard. Effect change sir. The nation's sons need their education so they need to be in school and ON TIME!!
Licks never harm nobody : 10/16/2009
they need to give licks to the ones who ran that young man into the streets, bullying him. maybe if they would give more licks, there would be less violence and bullying in the schools. i grew up in the US but used to get nuff licks from my gran, and i never have seen the inside of a jailhouse to this day, no drugs, and no foolishness. why? because of licks! maybe if they gave licks at that Columbine school, those teenagers would still be living today instead of shot to death by some lawless bums. i say, beat them!
Licks for Lateness : 10/16/2009
I have only one question. What good is beating a child in public, never mind his picture being in the newspaper,going to do? I don't think the licks should be the issue here, the greater concern should be the psychological damage done to these boys who are flogged for all the world to see. Did we not learn anything from our history, we are still paying for that psychological damage. Flog if you must (I got licks too and I survived) but PLEASE Dr. Agard, do so with some decorum and respect for the Nation's future.
: 10/16/2009
The physical hitting meted out from one human being to another is called ABUSE. This is ABUSE!! Causing pain and humiliation to another individual is ABUSE. Bajan in Canada
Re: Licks in schools : 10/16/2009
To the touchous nitwit who said that I sounded stuck-up ... how's that chip on your shoulder? Getting heavy? It must be. What on earth is stuck up about what I wrote? Please go back and read it carefully, because clearly all you saw was Harrison College and off you went on a tangent. In fact, that is the ONLY example you cite of my alleged snobbishness. My point merely was that previous commenters were acting as if this would not happen at Harrison College and I am saying that it DOES. I was not saying they were idiotic because they did not attend HC or QC - I was saying they were idiotic to say that these things would not happen at these schools when clearly they did not know what they were talking about. Students get licks at Harrison College just like they do at St. Leonard's. I was never trying to say that we 'had anything on you' - quite the opposite - I was saying that we were punished the same way - with a cut tail. More power to you on your two master's, $250 000 car and $50 000 a year pension. You prattled off all of that as if it has anything to do with the topic at hand. Despite all your achievements, you are clearly still so deeply insecure that you see slights and insults where there are none. I have nothing against St Leonard's - in fact the current principal of Harrison College is a St Leonard's old scholar.
Licks like peas : : 10/16/2009
That's what the Doctor ordered and what he administered. I must say that as an old timer it was a common sight in my days at school and although, looking back, some teachers and parents were a little bit hard and cruel with corporal punishment. I must say that it has not done me any lasting harm though and I believe that I am a better person for it; however these are modern times and such things are now frowned on. It is no longer a case of spare the rod and spoil the child.
To Mr. 250,000 car owner : 10/16/2009
By the way E-L-I-T-I-S-T is the way the word is spelt. Maybe if you went to QC or HC you would know this.
There's always "The Bible says..." : 10/16/2009
Whenever this topic rears its ugly head, someone is sure to chime in “The Bible says to spare not the rod and spoil the child!” Oh Brother! I’m willing to bet that if one were to ask half of those folk to identify the person in the Bible who said it, they would be stumped. All they know is that when they were young they always heard that from their elders. There are actually several interpretations of the oft quoted verse. Just Google it and see what shows up. Isn’t technology wonderful! The Bible says many things. Wanna guess what it says about slavery? Once again, just Google it (if you dare)!
Flogging : 10/16/2009
I wish all the school,s would start flogging again,and the school's that were boys and girls only make make them so again. Look the USA, them look at Japan,China and India If u all don't that ask Mr Obama if he ever got flogged.
For Corporal Punishment. : 10/16/2009
In the USA Catholic, schools rap kids on the knuckles with rulers. The Mojic, Bell, The Grinnah and others produced some excellent students.If there are no consequences for bad behavior then chaos rules. By the way, Bajan Yankee is an insulting term used only by ignorant Barbadians to refer to their fellow Barbadians living in America. It is time to cease and desist from using that name. A person born in Barbados of African decent cant be a Yankee so wise up fools. Know the definition of Yankee.
THEY DESERVED IT : 10/16/2009
I THINK THAT THE STUDENTS ATTENDING SCHOOL AFTER 10:00 DESERVED THE PUNISHMENT, IF IT WAS UP TO ME I WOULD SEND THEM ALL HOME AND ONLY ALLOW THEM TO COME BACK TO SCHOOL IF THEY RETURN WITH THEIR PARENTS. DR. AGARD YOU AND THE PRINCIPLE ARE DOING A WONDERFUL JOB AT THIS SCHOOL. I THINK THAT ALL THE TEACHERS SHOULD HELP IN THIS PROGRAMME. INSTEAD OF GOSSIPING ABOUT THEUR ONE ANOTHER.
Black Bess to the rescue : 10/16/2009
This man deserves a medal. Over 2 hours late for school!!! In my days we senior prefects were at the gate taking names, the students were subsequently placed in detention in the evenings and made to do homework or write lines. We also had a headmaster and a deputy head who scared the s!!! out of everyone, no soft shoes unless you had games that day, games uniform on games day only, shirts tucked in. Lining up for milk and biscuits, etc. Not having a hymn book mean a lash with "Black Bess", not knowing "Go to to the Ant Thou Sluggard" also meant a lash with Black Bess. Those were happy days, no stabbings in school, no weopans in school, no cell phones in school. Those were days of discipline. With all the foolish copying of standards from up north, we have now invited all their ills as well. We need to return to those days of Black Bess. Hopefully with some serious discipline some semblance of civility will return to our schools and to our communities. I miss those two old men and many more who have since passed on. How fortunate we were to have them. BTW, they did not only share licks but were some of the best academics in the school, so there!
Thank you Jesus! : 10/16/2009
Wow! Only in Bim...I am a young lady who ( AN I MAKE NOT APOLOGIES) agree with the flogging. When I was in high school, the only thing that made me early for school was when I remembered the punishment coming for being late and the additional punishment my parents would have rewarded me with. Youth today have no respect for even God...the morals have gone through the door.... Students, you are responsible for your actions. Follow the rules and there will be no punishment. P.S. watch out for some parents...they will be down by the school cussing and carrying on very soon...
Licks like peas : 10/16/2009
I reserve my opinion regarding the above. If in the future there is some improvement in the students time keeping, then it would have been a success, and one can say the flogging was worthwile. Essex
: 10/16/2009
Some people are so indoctrinated that they would accept slavery if it came again and they would say that it is good thing. Same thing with beating children. Some people support this punishment saying that they get beat at school. That is conditioning and so they have accepted this crap about beating without consideration. It is barbaric
Licks in school. : 10/16/2009
HC ALUM writes like a real stuck-up and maybe stupid Barbadian. For example,he starts by saying that some of us writers to the article did not go to HC or QC.I for one did not attend either of these schools, yet I was able to acquire two Masters and will retire in a couple of years on a US fifty thousand dollar a year penson and I am only 55 years old. I also was able to acquire a home in an exclusive neighborhood in Barbados, drive a $25o,000 car. So you see, HC or QC students have absolutely nothing on me, thus I will continue to criticize and speak out against anything which I deem to be eletist in Barbados.And by the way, I attended St. Leonard's Boys.
Mixed Feelings : 10/16/2009
I'm having mixed feeling about the flogging. Yes I did get flogged at school in Barbados and it didn't harm me, it worked in those times. I'm leaning towards feeeling that it is now outdated and we need to change with the times. My solution would be to lock the gate at a certain time, take the names of the culprits and not allow them at school that day. For them to return to school they should have to bring a parent in for consultation. If the parent is inconvenient enough they will help ensure that this tardiness is not repeated. Simply refuse them to attend until this stipulation is met. PS. Role call in the classroom will ensure that they don't come through any holes in the fence and join the next class.
: 10/16/2009
Mr Agard im behind you 100%,some one you who think a little flogging is going to harm these kids maybe you should stop burying your head in ths sand and come into the real world,these children have no respect for god man or the world that their live in.i work at a rural secondary school i know first hand what some of these teachers have to go through and put up with daily,and let me tell all those modern day parent these children need detention centres not school.
ABUSE : 10/16/2009
FLOGGING IS NOT THE ANSWER. ABUSE! ABUSE! ABUSE !
Licks at St. Leonards : 10/16/2009
Thank God for all the Bajan Yankees,Bajan Limeys and Bajan Canadians who left Barbados.Please stay away and refrain from making your idiotic comments.The reason you write the tripe you do is you don't care about the "barbaric island" as you don't plan to return or make any positive contribution to the island.Why anyone would hold the US up as a place to be envied,especially blacks is beyond me.Those boys should be flogged in public or otherwise Proud Bajan in Toronto
Getting Licks for Lateness : 10/16/2009
I HEAR IT ALL. Some people love to hear that a child is being flogged regardless to what the child has done. ANYHOW as it is on the island teachers are allowed to flog a child I would say OK then thats OK. But as long as the parents are pre-warned first and it is done in private in front of the parent - not in public the fine. Bye the way I hear how some island people have beaten their children when they were young and now the same parents who did this are old and lonely. Punishment I am not against but beatings as if the child has no soul - that is wrong.
Getting licks : 10/16/2009
Everyone is entitled to their opinion but today is a different day where children are concerned because you profess that getting licks never did you no harm that doesn't mean it will have the same positive effect that you think it may have with regards to being early. The culture is all about being late, and children will copy adults' behaviour. You cannot expect to turn up late for work and then expect your offspring to be early for school - you are confusing the children. I'm not saying they should be late, I am always on time and do not tolerate lateness but there are other ways to discipline children! All children are not going to conform to this way of being treated and how can you want to stamp out child abuse or domestic abuse when the authorities are doing it. You need to have logical standpoints and act in accordance otherwise you are sending out mixed messages. The number of comments prove that this is a contentious issue, maybe a pilot study should be carried out to see whether using other forms of discipline like, lines, detentions, suspensions or dropping them from team sports would result in students being early but to continue to use the same forms of punishment in a society that abuses across the board is not going to stop the continuous cycle of abuse.
Licks For Lateness?? : 10/16/2009
There are other far more egregious acts committed by students for which no licks are shared. If we are going to start sharing licks, Let's start with the two boys that bullied that young boy to his death. Pelt some hard licks in their tails!! While we're at it, pelt some licks in the teachers and principle who ignored his pleas for help. How about the students that commit lewd acts on the buses and ZR vans? Let pelt some licks in their tails too! But let's not stop there; Lets share some licks for the parents who know their children have not attended school in days, but do nothing about it. Don't just flog the child, Flog Mommy and Daddy too. If Daddy is not actively involved in the childs life, then it's extra licks for him. Plenty licks should also be shared to those teachers who are having sex with their students. They are the worst of the lot. There should be licks shared to all the above, but I don't suspect any of these other people will get their share, so why just the late arrivals at St. Leonards?
licks like peas is good : 10/16/2009
People who said that this is abuse talking rubbish.One lash can't hurt no one.And there is no law that states you cannot lash a child in public.Children today have no respect and the only punishment that will make some of them hear is licks. I don't agree with sending home a child cause more mischief will be done.
licks : 10/16/2009
i do not like licks mr agard is a beater i go to school there and he beat all the time
Former St. Leonards Student : 10/16/2009
Well Done, I am sure that these students had lots of warning and the teachers knew the ones who are constantly late. Let's be honest TWO HOURS LATE is ridiculous. I use to walk from town to School and still get to there on time. Give our teachers a chance to do their jobs. They are the ones with the children for most of the day. You may be surprise what you child gets up to behind your back. Somebody mentioned lines - now that is a joke. Most kids would gladly do lines with as smile on their face
Flogging : 10/16/2009
I might not reside in Barbados, but I have the right to my say. So refrain from telling me that I cannot comment. Now, I went to school in Barbados and did not like the idea then. I have two children and do not hit them and I have no problems. Second I teach in the the US and we do not spank and I have no problems. We do not handle tardiness with a public flogging? We find other ways of disciplining the child. It can be doen there to. We call and talk to the parents. Are the students asked why they were late before the flogging, is there verification from parents. i think not because it is done at the gate. After the late bell parents should be called to let them know that their child in not at school. There is a better and more civilized way to deal with the problem. BTW I will keep putting inmy 2cents worth. I am still a bajna citizen last time I checked
share some licks : 10/16/2009
It is about time some one share some licks. I attended ST Giles Boy School. Got licks too,and that was a long time ago.Today parents don't lash anymore.I am still alive. The young people are not doing a good job at raising children, because they are children. Early discipline is very important. The Bible say spare not the rod and spoil the child. My kids are thirty and twenty six. They tell sometimes they were told by other kid to do somethig wrong, they would say no way.If my dad find out about this it is going to be licks. Bajan 48 Arkansas
Licks good for who? : 10/16/2009
Violence only begets more violence. It teaches Bajan youths to fear authority, not respect it. Have you not learned anything from America's example? Then again, when is the last time a Bajan government leader stood up to a US president once they are finally in front of them? (They are a product of your 'Good ol days, are they not?) Might does not make right. Bajans, you are better...and smarter than this.
Licks : 10/16/2009
That is why those kids bullied Ian to death, and that father was shot by his work. The Bible says "foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child but the rod of correction would drive it away" also "If you beat a child it should not kill him but deliver his soul from hell". Parents need to be active in their childrens' lives. Visit the school and ask about grades and tardiness, in that way they have a first hand view of things and could deal with it. I agree with the flogging at school. These are repeated violators and it would just move from one thing to the other, eventually they would drop out of school and become delinquents. I always let my kids know drop out is not an option and would tar their behide if they put me to the test. GOD is good that I did not have to worry about them failing because they got the message early. Pray over your children because satan is battling for their souls too. Bajans need to stop making excuses for this kind of behaviour. Children need discipline and expected to be.
Public flogging..... very sad. : 10/16/2009
all of you out there who can remember being hit by teachers are making a great point to stop this brutality. The fact that so many of you remember your beatings proves that such acts remain with the victim for life. What this also goes to prove is that the teachers and the senior management of the school has run out of ideas on how to interact with these young people. Beating up a child for the delight of those who were themselves beaten will not bring about change. I teach in a 14-16 Pupil Referral Unit in the Uk, and we manage to bring about changed bebaviour without violence. This is a very sad affair and I strongly believe that instead of constantly looking for a fight with your young people, you (all of Bardabos ) should listen to them more......... Perhaps the problem is your schools has less to do with the young people and more to do with the overlarge egos who teach them.
licks for lateness : 10/16/2009
maybe the principal tried other things and they didnt work in trying to control the unruly children so now he resorting to the only thing now he think gonna get a lesson across which is LICKS.half the people with the stupid comments know they grew up getting licks everyday so i dont know why they acting so ignorant and suprised.mr.principal i salute u and do whatever it takes to keep the students in your school under control.licks need to be used in countries like canada and the states cause most of them children out of hand and rude cause the parents and teachers cant discipline them because discipline means abuse in those countries.a dictionary should show that discipline and abuse have two totally different meanings.and for the people out there who alway blaming the parents you need to shut up.not all the time situations are the parents fault for the decietful and wrong things the children do behind their parents backs.ya think parents got hawk eyes?
LICKS FOR BEING LATE : 10/16/2009
10-16-2009 I WENT TO SHCOOL IN BARBADOS, MANY YEARS AGO AND REMEMBER GETTING FLOG ONCE FOR BEING LATE.BEING ON VACATION THERE WE SEE SCHOOL CHILDREN AT ANY TIME ON THE STREETS. SO MY HATS OFF TO ANY TEACHER WHO SHARE LICKS. BAJAN IN NEW YORK.
Getting licks for lateness : 10/16/2009
I am in total agreement withe the headteacher of the school to the punishment meted out. We as a society have become irrespnsible and are accepting mediocre behaviours. As a working professional this behaviour transcend into the work environment after school and it is very hard to get it out of the system. Also to have a picture like that for your front page shows a lack of responsible journalism. I am sure there are many other articles and pieces of news that warrant the front page. It does not matter where you go to school rules are rules and should be adhered to. We need to make these young persons and their parents by extension responsible for their deviant actions. Kudos to all the educators who are instilling discipline. Our country needs it!!
licks for latenes : 10/16/2009
Which is better ? His picture in the paper getting his tail cut for being late or his picture in the paper getting arrested for murder, stealing, etc. Licks don't kill nobody ! The fact that it was recorded as it happened, is good for those who want to cry "abuse". They could see what he got !those two to three hot lashes on his behind will keep him from a life of crime and make him get there early next time. For those bajans who have become Americanized by adopting the american way, laws, etc. Remember this is B/dos and what works there don't work here. We have different laws , constitution and everything ! I remembered when we were going to school at good Shepherd mixed school. My cousins got their tails tore up for being late. I hid and didn't get beat but after that day no one was ever late. Today all of us are grown and we still remember that day! We laugh now about it. So continue to discipline because doing nothing will just feed the folly in them and make them worst.
Flogged : 10/16/2009
All you Bajan New Yorkers who are comdemning the teacher for flogging the students for coming to school late should be ashamed. Maybe those boys are the one that don't care and are disruptive in the class room and not learning any thing. The schools in Brooklyn are out of control, the teachers cannot talk to the students for fear of getting beat up or have their car tyres slash. Some of you are parents who work three or four jobs and have latch key kids who most of them are in trouble with the law because they have no parental guidance. I went to school at Wesley Hall Girls School in Tudor Street and the Modern High school. Mr. Lynch (the Bomber) would cut your behind if you were late. Many times when I was late and the Progressive school bus was late I would mingle amongst the kids from the bus because I did not want to get punish. Thanks to my school days It make me the person I am today. Respectful to other people especially the elderly, to be punctual at all times and to discipline my self. The things that I see in Boston schools. Children ten years old can't read what our little five year old can. Maths is a foreign language to them. The teenagers work in stores after school at the cash register. If the electricity goes off they can't give you the correct change by counting. The know every vulgar rap music that comes on the air waves. The teachers can't discipline them because the mothers will go to the school to beat up on the teachers. This happen on a regular basis. Then it becomes a court case and the mothers are ban from the schools. Please Barbados keep the discipline going other wise Barbados will get out of control. It is already becoming "lITTLE AMERICA". Please let it get back to "LITTLE ENGLAND" with Pride and Industry. May God bless Barbados and its people and let those Bajan New Yorkers keep talking because they have some own way children that they can't control. The pot telling the kettle it black. I am very proud when read of the accomplishments of the young people that are doing something with their lives. Proud Bajan in Boston.
Licks in dey *ss : 10/16/2009
Buss da *ss; If mommy or teacher don't cut ya *ss, then the police will.......
LICKS : 10/16/2009
I am a Bajan living in canada, and they do not hit kids over here, and the only kind of punishment is being sent home for 2 days or a week. I know a an 11 year old kid that push the teacher, and he was suspended for 1 week, and the when he return the following week the teacher ignored him completely, so relax take the punishment. My teached spank me when I was going to school, and my mother never got involved, and today I have alot of respect for being on time.
as for H.C... : 10/16/2009
For all those idiotic readers throwing up the 'what if this was Harrison College or Queen's College' question - clearly none of you ever went to either of those schools because you seem to think it is some kind of fairy tale land. Well let me tell you, I went to Harrison College as recently as ten years ago and students get licks there too. And if you were repeatedly and ridiculously late like these St. Leonard's boys clearly were (more than two hours late if you see the story! They rolling in in time for lunch!) then heck yes you would get licks. Shoot, I know of people who get licks for less than that. I had some friends that got licks in SIXTH FORM because they were caught skipping class to play dominoes on the school compound. At least they were actually AT school unlike these little truants - but you better believe that Bob didn't care! lol...
: 10/16/2009
Thank you Patriotic Bajan'. It is not against the education act to flog in Barbados. I child is 2 hours late.What other form of punishment these bleeding hearts can suggest.Suspension so they can laugh they way out the door. The fact that the punishment was executed in the open where even the press could monitor was good insomuch they could note cite excess force etc. I say "cut duh backsides" everyday until they get it right.The poor parents are at work. If it was my child I would be meeting him at the gate on his way out with more licks
: 10/16/2009
Dr Victor Agard - my hero! This should be standard procedure at every school in Barbados. Unless there is some medical or other valid reason, no child should be waltzing into any school at 10a.m. (unless school was starting at 11a.m.). The reason many children cannot be controlled is perhaps due to being parented by some of the bleeding hearts making asinine comments about "child abuse" and "psychological scars" resulting from the discipline meted out by Dr Agard. Unfortunately, principal Joseph King missed the opportunity to join Dr Agard at the gate - with a belt - and assist in speeding up entry into the school. Agard's solitary act, in my estimation, qualifies him to be considered "Teacher of the Year". Hyperbole? I think not.
NO MORE LICKS : 10/16/2009
Flogging students for getting to school late will not solve the problem. Maybe for some it will, for others it will just be a everyday thing while some will use the situation to stayaway during school hours. Then who knows that will lead to more drug abuse, crime etc. On the other hand if school starts at 7:50am why should students be so late, up until 10:00am. Parents need to look into their children early attendance.
NO MORE LICKS : 10/16/2009
Flogging students for getting to school late will not solve the problem. Maybe for some it will, for others it will just be a everyday thing while some will use the situation to stayaway during school hours. Then who knows that will lead to more teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, crime etc. On the other hand if school starts at 7:50am why should students be so late, up until 10:00am. Parents need to look into their children early attendance.
These boys were TWO HOURS late! : 10/16/2009
Oh please. Spare me the bleeding heart, North American nonsense. These children deserve the licks. I pass through Eagle Hall every day on my way to work and see these boys blatantly dawdling in the worst way. Worst yet, at St. Leonard's they are actually supposed to start school at EIGHT O'CLOCK because the school has been under repair for ages and they have adjusted the school day to start an hour earlier and end an hour earlier so more construction work can be done. So these boys were TWO HOURS LATE. I see them every morning, liming in by Sawh's and by the fishcake man at the corner of Tudor Bridge when they should have been in school over an hour ago. Like it or not, St. Leonard's has a major problem disciplining their students because 1) it is all boys and boys are naturally just more rebellious and 2)these boys are low academic achievers and more likely to be disruptive and from dysfunctional environments. Saying that tight not suit the tastes of the liberals who want to pretend all schools are the same and have the same challenges, but it is TRUE. So the disciplinary methods that work at a 'high achiever' school or even with a school with more girls are not going to work at St. Leonard's.
Flogging : 10/16/2009
Bet he wont be late no more. LOL. I used to be flogged at school and it did not cause me any harm. Being late is disrespectful. Ten o'clock. What school was he going to. that's Alright they take the same traits to their jobs. Back in the days if for any reason I was flogged at school I did not even let my parents know. That would be a second flogging for me. Children nowadays have no respect for authority or rules. Look at the parents though, they are the same thing. Look at the ones saying if it was their kid, what they would and would not do. What you would need to look at is why the kid is late. Maybe flog the parent. LOL
Getting licks for lateness : 10/16/2009
What a disgrace! I'm all for corporal punishment, but this punishment should be administered behind closed doors - definitely not for the whole world to see. If it were my child being flogged in public, it would be lawsuits like peas!
Licks Like Peas! : 10/16/2009
Licks Like Peas! Would it have been better if their parents had done the flogging? My mum did it to my twin sister and I when we were at St. Leonard’s for smoking cigarettes. Our school friend, I’m not going to name names, but you know who you are, brought the cigarettes to school and was never flogged. Somehow her mum never came to the school. It left a lasting impression in my mind – be a leader not a follower. M. Ross
dicipline now or pay later : 10/16/2009
Barbadians if you dont correct what is happening to the young people in your country, where are all the old time Bajans in Canada, the u.s and England going to retire to. Guyana!!!!
Getting licks for lateness : 10/16/2009
All "bajans" living in North America that has NO moral standards whatsoever should really refrain from commenting on what goes on Barbados. Please comment on all the rot surrounding you in YOUR choice of location. Did any of you READ or better, UNDERSTAND that school begins at 7:50 AM and it was AFTER 10:00AM. Those boys were over 2 hrs late for school. Can you turn up over 2 hrs late for work, constantly? Being late for work is not an option for you! To those of you who disagree with the enforcement of rules, please do not bellyache about it when these deviants robs, rapes, beats or kills one of your family members or friends. Let the people do their jobs. Flogging also occurs at Harrison College and Queens College. Finally, all comments that have poor Grammar and spelling should automatically be disregarded.
Flogging : 10/16/2009
I am happy to see this, there are too many young parents out there who can't control the kids, I agree to flogging, I don't care where it's done, flog them. All of you all gotlicks at school did it make you any worse,my son goes to school and the 1st thing I tell the teachers if he does wrong dont abuse him but punish him to the max,I cant be with him all the time the time he is in your care take care of him.What going to school after 10 what, I could never have done that in my time at school. Punish them all the way, flogging is great.
flogging : 10/16/2009
You have got to be kidding me ! in this day and age school children are being lined up to be flogged!I'm glad that was not one of my children.
LICKS FOR LATENESS : 10/16/2009
I must say that if the child was disciplined at home the teacher won't have to do it. We all who grew up in the 60s,70,and even the 80,s know to abide by the school rules, and if if yuh break um yuh have tu pay, and if yuy get detention and go home late yuh get moore punishmnt. So why don't we stop going in the gutter and talk about slavery, and talk about the youths growing up to be someone and not a drop out. I say Dr.Agard when they are in your care keep them disciplined, and what excuse could they have for strolling in school at 10.00 when school starts at 7.50? Don't let Barbados become a mini America. Thank God we have teachers like Dr.Agard. In Trinidad the teachers have a hard time with the students, they have to be searched for weapons before going into the classes and they found guns on them so people be glad that the teachers in Barbados still care about the education of the students, the teachers in Trinidad just teach and who learn learn, and there is nothing they could do about it. Baje in NY
geting licks : 10/16/2009
Gee' i cant believe what i'm seeing ,god help us, we must be the laughing stock of the world, A country who boasts about the one of the best education system in the world , is publicly flogging kids for being late for school, this is barbaric a step backwards to the days of slavery, damm i'm boiling inside to think this teacher have a PHD , I THINK HE GOT HIS phd FOR ABUSING KIDS. i DONT HEAR ANY COMDEMNATION FRO THE SO CALLED RELIGOUS LEADERS , AND THE PRIME MINISTER
licks like peas : 10/16/2009
why people against the flogging? you really think that teacher harmed them by hitting their lil behinds? oh pls! get over yourselves.
Flogging : 10/16/2009
The shame should not be in the flogging but in the disrespect they displayed in being late. This practice is not that far outdated although I believe that it should no longer be done. We must find another way. And yes, kids who continue to be "late" should be embarrased. There must be a discipline and a consequence for such bad behaviour before they become delinquent adults. Each one gotta teach one!
GETTING LICKS : 10/16/2009
THIS FLOGGING BY THE SENIOR TEACHER IS IN SANE. HE SHOULD BE DISCIPLINED BY THE PRINCIPAL. IF THE PRINCIPAL CONDONE THIS TYPE OF ACT. IT SHOULD BE BEHIND CLOSED DOORS.THE DAYS OF FLOGGING CHILDREN AT SCHOOL SHOULD BE ABOLISHED . THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO PUNISH FOR BEING LATE. SUCH AS SCHOOL SUSPENSION. lICKS WOULD NOT HELP. MOST KIDS WILL END UP NOT LIKING THAT TEACHER . THIS PUBLIC VIEW IS RIDICULOUS FOR OVERSEAS VIEWERS. PROUD BAJANCANADIAN/RON
licks like peas : 10/16/2009
I would like to be able to hear that these children who were so abused now and before to be offered psychological counseling. Where are the voices of people who know better?? Won't these children think that violence is the answer to every problem? The Nation News paper did well to have these photos published. I can barely believe my eyes. (Sick to the stomach)
Getting licks for lateness : 10/16/2009
I grew up in Barbados and was flogged at home, never at school because I knew better. I think back and thought it was very brutal at times. I attended one of the older secondary schools and children were placed on dentention for arriving at school late. Maybe the principals can try this route again to see if it works, but there should be some kind of discipline for tardy students. MNR(USA)
Floggin : 10/16/2009
As a white bajan, who went to a private school, lemme tell you...I had to go outside and pick my bamboo stick and bring it back to class and then get licks. Then you went home and got more after that! Do I agree looking back? Maybe not...but I do think the school needs to come up with a definite way to curtail this behavior and fast. I would never, ever, have thought that I could waltz into school at 10am!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The thought alone of having to go home would scare me back to reality! Some of the youth seem very misguided and there is a complete lack of discipline and respect in the community. It needs addressing, maybe flogging in public is backwards, but you know what they ain't getting it at home, because if they were they wouldn't be showing up late to school!!!!! Teachers have become parents as well, and therefore have had to take over discipline. Sending them home for a week will do nothing because then they would be loitering and getting into trouble, give them a lash in PRIVATE and call it a day! It never did me any harm, I will tell you some days I needed it and I learnt fast to pay attention and keep my mouth shut when it needed to be.
: 10/16/2009
This should have been done in the Principal's office.Barbadians need to stop this foolishness about slavery and other nonsense. These kids need to get a proper education. Rules and codes of conduct need to be adhered to. There is a serious break down of discipline all over the country. When these same kids habituallly show up for school late and continue to fail the same parents will blame everyone else except the child. Back in the days at Cawmere that institution turned out some great Bajans. Way to go school. Bajan wid it.
F flogging of human beings. : 10/16/2009
Where is the voice of our religious leaders? The Bishops, the Pastors ,the Deacons,the Mothers' Unions and Church Members? We have progressed a long way but not enough. Is it any wonder that so much brutality exist among our young and old people? That picture is a disgrace. (very angry and ashamed of my Barbados)
Licks : 10/16/2009
This is physical and Physcological abuse. This young man will carry the ignominy of being flogged in public and the act being shown in a newspaper.
Flogged : 10/16/2009
I know a lot of foolish Bajans will complain about this but something more serious want doing with these tardy students, especially the ones that make it a habit.
Licks like peas? : 10/16/2009
Barbados, will you continue to be the laughing stock for the enilightened world to see? In spite of all the negative comments about brutalizing young people and ABUSE? Will your Prime Minister see to this Barbaric slave practice? I am totally ashamed to see this photo in our Barbados Nation. Cannot your animals, your children and your wives be spared this abuse? (Disgusted and ashamed)
: 10/16/2009
FLOGGING ! wait a minute boss ---Slavery come back ? When I was at school there were times when I refused to be flogged if I felt the flogging was unfair and unjust. Flogging is a throwback to slavery and it is insulting to know that a teacher with a PHD could engage in such a barbaric act.
licks for lateness : 10/16/2009
Dr. Agard should have just let the late students go home for that day or the rest of the week. This would be more effective. It would keep the class size down and an obviously disruptive student would be kept away from more serious pupils allowing them to get their work done in a more studious atmosphere.
floggin : 10/16/2009
Did any one ask any of the students why they were late? call the parents when they are not there on time lick is not going to change solve the problem it is 2009 not 1989.
FOOLISHNESS!!!!!! : 10/16/2009
I am glad none of those kids are related to me.....is the Administration of my former school gone MAD?????? Public Instutions have to find more modern ways help students and people. More like Taliban behavior to me....
floggin : 10/16/2009
GONE ARE THOSE DAYS MR AGARD,STEP BACKWARD YOU SHOULD KNOW,SEEMS MORE LIKE PUBLIC FLOGGIN,WHY DID THE PRINCIPAL STOP IT? IS THERE NO OTHERE WAY TO DISC THESE LATE COMMERS
Licks for being late : 10/16/2009
With all due respect to you and your readers, Can you please take your camera crew to the gates of Harrison College or Queens College and show the public how many of those kids come to school late yet not one of them are flogged. In addition, I would like for you to show or interview a teacher from those two schools who would have the gall to hit the son or daughter of a Barbadian elitist? TEACH
: 10/16/2009
so big deal. they got a flogged for being late, if they were out they doing drug than everyone would wanted to know where at the parents. Barbados want to be to america that is going too be the down fall of bajan. bajan in boston
Getting licks for lateness : 10/16/2009
BARBARIC, BACKWORDS, And a human rights violation.Is this Barbadostan? when was the last public floggings? is this a teacher or Taliban leader? Surely Barbados Constitution have been violated. This is so unexpected from a free country like Barbados. The only purpose here is to rule through fear, Intimidation, and embarrassment.I tip my hats to those kids who refused to take part in this Barbaric act.
Getting Licks For Lateness : 10/16/2009
Students who come to school late in all schools in Barbados should be flogged.So, do you think that you could do me a favor and show me a Mottley, Tappin or Thompson child being flogged because their respective chauffeurs were late in picking them up for school?
Tarred for being tardy : 10/16/2009
I am a bajan living abroad,and say well done to the school authorities for enforcing the school rules.These kids of today need to understand that there are rules by which society must adhere.Hopefully this experiment will embarass them into conforming.I may get chewed out on this one,but I stand firm on my opinion.If we do not address these issues early,the law enforcement agencies will take care of them for us.Remember (spare the rod and spoil the child )still holds good to this day.I am not advocating brutality by any means.A sharp smack across the backside works wonders for some of todays youths. Bajan in Fort Lauderdale.
licks for lateness : 10/16/2009
Good idea, look at the youth of today, kids today are out of control because a lot of countries have rules that about this type of punishment. This worked in Barbados years ago when I was in school and I think if we had continued doing it, the now young adults in BIM that's doing a lot of stupid things would be less.
LICKS LIKE PEAS : 10/16/2009
We often talk about "The Good Old Days" and this is a perfect example of a good thing for the old days. This punishment is not excessive and does more harm to the inflated ego of the student than to his physical being. On the one hand we lament the crime & violence (including bullying in schools) in our society but at the same time want cry foul to appropriate discipline. Thank you Mr. King and Dr. Agard for having the courage to do the right thing not just for these particular students but for St. Leonards, our school system and our country.
Getting licks for lateness : 10/16/2009
as much as you have to be firm on the young people today , i think that the schools are going about the whole thing about disiplin the wrong way , i say this because it varies from school to school and the first thing the principals must do is to get in contact with the parents and find out if they know what time their child/ward is getting to school and if there is a problem , next thing the teacher here could have done this another way instead in full view of the public imbarrasing the young men , this will lead to them rebelling aginst him as was reported because some of them want to play tuff , let it be know that teachers dont have all the answers and the same way that police and prison officers get in trouble for beating Harden Criminals ,what give the teacher the righ to beat school children ?
LICKS FOR LATENESS : 10/16/2009
Well done, Dr. Agard!! Keep it up! CONCERNED FOR OUR YOUTH
licks no way : 10/16/2009
Those days are over with, the correct way maybe suspension for a few days but beatings?
bajans r crazy : 10/16/2009
Barbadians are crazy people!! Thats why I left that small island long time ago
Is this still happening in 2009 : 10/16/2009
I am so glad i dont live in barbados or have school age kids.this need to stop!
wat the hell : 10/16/2009
this is a joke!! 4 lateness??
licks fer days : 10/16/2009
beat there behinds now, or build another dodds later
: 10/16/2009
Oh dear now! Somebody just opened a can of worms!!!!!! What happened to the 'detention'? I remember having to write 500 'lines'...writer's cramp fuh days!!!
getting licks for lateness : 10/16/2009
it's good to see the Nation reporting on the root cause of disrespect in our society. i would suggest that you" the Nation" investigate the literacy rate of students over the last few years, that would be good investigative journalism
: 10/16/2009
Flogging in schools need to be stopped. In my school days in Barbados, only the poor kids got flogg, not the kids with parents with half decent jobs, that was so wrong, only a parent should be allowed to punish a child. Let bring that principal from St. Leanards school to Brooklyn.
Beat them into submission : 10/16/2009
That is ridiculous. Students must turn up on time, but this is not the answer.
Hants : 10/16/2009
As far as I know, Public floggings are acceptable in Saudi Arabia but illegal in Barbados. No child should be humiliated in this manner.
Nonsense : 10/16/2009
All i have to say.... Nonsense!!! Days of slavery are over... There are better ways to handle this. ONLY IN BARBADOS
Getting licks for lateness : 10/16/2009
This man should be applauded, for trying to build a morally strong student for our future, the kid of today have no fare of consequences. As reflected by our culture we are always late and have no care for our time or anyone else PS this is what made me the man I am today thank you Mr. Springer St Augustine’s boy School Ps
Licks dont kill : 10/16/2009
many a day i get licks and i turned out quite fine. I honestly think corporate punishment is not a vice, and can be used to instil some values(in this case stop liming and get to school). If such punishment was in place @ Princess Marget Secondary, that young innocent fellow Ian would probably be here!
Speechless : 10/16/2009
It's a sad scene in Barbados when in 2009, a senior teacher has to resort to flogging students because they are late. It is universally accepted that corporal punishment is ineffective, and usually leads to even more social issues (aggression, anti social behaviour etc.). When will we learn? Are these so-called senior teachers and administrators even trained? This is a sad reflection on our children, parents and teachers. Why are so many children turning up to school after 10? Where are the parents??
be on time : 10/16/2009
with every lash that I got, I heard-be on time for duty's call at St. James Mixed. I'm 60 years old and am very grateful. The tap on the behind is not going to kill them
Tardiness and the Punishment : 10/16/2009
That is the way it was when I went to school. School starts at 7:50am and after 10:00am students now walking into school? It that going to be the same conduct they will exhibit when they have to go to work? I agree with the punishment.
This is ridiculous : 10/16/2009
What a way to celebrate Education Month, but showing the level of professionalism exhibited by our distinguished educators! This violence against children has to stop. Yes I used the 'v' word, since that is exactly what it is - a violent act being inflicted upon one human being unto another. It is amazing that as we try to use constuctivism as a way forward for modern education, we continue this inhumane act as a behavioural modificication strategy. We adhere to that creed of 'spare the rod and spoil the child' which clearly has not worked. Indeed, it is a stretegy used by the slave masters and only worked in the sense of hardeneing the slaves towards rebellion since they did not want to get 'licks' anymore. But we continued the barbaric practice into freedom. And I assure you it will work to harden our children of today so that they too will rebel against the perpetrator. Some suggest that corpral punishment is a deterrent and many brag about the 'licks' they have received. I am not one of them. I got few 'lick' in my school life and I can assure you that I remember each one, and the venom continues to build with each memory, (and I am one of the 'good' one). I swore that I would never hit a child (I mean administer corpral punishment) as a teacher - and I never did. There are other ways of achieving the same objective. If you have to continuously beat the same child, you clearly have achieved little. Children of today will not respect you just because you are an adult or because your have given then 'lick'. They will respect you when you respect them. When you treat them as human being with problems like other human beings. With challenges like other human being. If they meet violence at home and violence at school (in any form) they future is already determined. I beg of my fellow educator. Enough is enough. You need to use your energies in a more productive way, our children are counting on it.
What's the point of this article : 10/16/2009
The public may not know what is the general practice regarding corporal punishment and lateness. It is irresponsible to report a situation like this without having had an official response from the school. It totally distorts the main problem here which is GROSS LATENESS. Personally they need to be punished for this. It is beyond me how students leave there homes and refuse to get to school on time. This disturbing trend is something that will translate directly to the adult world. these kids need their socks pulling up right now and if lashes will do it so be it.
Good : 10/16/2009
It dont matter if they keep coming late, onnce they realise the penalty is licks and they take the licks with the same zest that makes them late.
Dark Ages : 10/16/2009
Somebody, please stop this madness. Gone are the days when this type of punishment was the norm. This needs to be exposed for the world to see. I am sure if there were white kids attending this school the school would have came up with a different form of punishment. This needs to be exposed for the world to see how our kids are being abused by those in authority. What happended to making you stand on a bench or writing lines or staying after shcool or good old fashion parent communication. Canadian reader.
Licks : 10/16/2009
Is this the 21st century or has Barbados not stepped in yet and I would not have known if some clown did not decide to make it news. Make it modern , put it on Youtube. No wonder kids think it is OK to bash each other. On the other side it is about time parents took responsibility for these children's behaviour. Or are they afraid of them too.
Best story of the year! : 10/16/2009
Victor,Sylvester,Joy,Sherwin,Jabez and Deborah Agard are all decent respectable law abiding citizens. They have all grown to be model Bajans that we can be proud of. The funny side of this story is that they themselves often got a cut-a** every now and then. Maybe that's whats missing from bajan society today to keep them from destroying the country and themselves. An old Fashion Cut-as*..........Balgobin7
: 10/16/2009
This is a definite return to the colonial days,it shows that this place is truly a banana republic.i have 4 daughters and 2 sons,i swear i would go to jail for the rest of my life for the person who lay hands on my offspings like that.It is so primative and backward.This is 2009 for pete sake,the British who you all learn that from has done away with that a long time ago,and believe me school children in Britain are worst behaved than in Barbados.
Dr. Agard, are you for real? : 10/16/2009
I don't believe what I am seeing in this picture. Is this the civilized Barbados or is it some backward communist country? Maybe this picture was taken 100 years ago. Smarten up Dr. Agard you are chasing the kids away from school. In the US or Canada you would be behind bars and in need of a very good lawyer. How about teaching the youngsters the importance of punctuality, trust, respect, reliability, and the need to become a good citizen.
Getting licks for lateness : 10/16/2009
What has happened to Detention, physical punishment is not the answer, glad my children dont school over there. Bajans are alway quick to swing the whip on children - not always the answer. Joy in UK
flogging for being tardy : 10/16/2009
This is not the way to get the point across. Criminals get lesser punishment for worst crimes. Revisit the problem.What do kids get for being rude and disrespectful?
GETTING LICKS. : 10/16/2009
There is nothing wrong with flogging students from St Leonards who come to school late, regardless of the circumstances. Now, when are we going to see students from Queens College and Harrisons college being flogged for the same infractions. Therefore, I am of the opinion that school rules should be binding on ALL students in Barbados. TEACH
Tough Enforcement : 10/16/2009
This article brought back memories. I think that more schools should encourage the same. Turning up at 10am for school that started at 7:30 is blatant disrespect. This means that that student would have missed 2.5hrs of the 6hr day - that is a lot and if a particular student is late everyday then it is possible that that child will become an under achiever. Let us remember that we were flogged for being late and it did not kill us. If this attitude is not corrected now in the future we will have these same individuals being late for important events including interviews, work, wedding ceremonies, etc.
In agreement : 10/16/2009
Licks licks and more licks. These young men are the future of our country. I applaud Dr. Agard and St. Lenord's Boy's school. The U.S abolished disciplining students in schools... the result? Bombs in schools and blantent disrespect of students to parents and teachers. Licks licks and more licks I say to those who deserve it. Spare the rod... spoil the child
: 10/16/2009
No wonder the females in this society are making waves, the sons of our children are basically wasting away their youthful years, idling,liming and for the most part being pests.Whilst the public flogging was a bit much, this story does not say whether the students were told in no uncertain manner the action that would be taken as consequence of any rule infringements. Again poor reporting. Why not wait until monday when you have a comment from the head teacher to print this. It's really not a story anyway as Education rules allowing for floggings as determined by the Head teacher and must be administered by a senior teacher. Kudos to them. We need to pull back this society,it's heading no where and fast.
: 10/16/2009
Dear Editor. This punishment is archaic in nature. In some parts of the world that would be considered as child abuse. Yet on the other hand kudos to Mr. Agard in taking interest in the educational welfare of these students. At least he is doing something the Principal of the Garrison school should have done or do to ensure that students understand the importance of coming to school. New Jersey Gal.
About Time! : 10/16/2009
Well I would say its about time. When I see de students traipsing at not just minutes past 9 but all in half past, quarter to and worse yet 10 or 11...Not just one or 2 that look like they could have some sort of excuse. Its nuff of dem den. Stupes. Its no wonder our country runs the way it does. If they learn that this lackadaisical attitude is alright, then of course when it comes to work, dey gine do nuttin at all. Dey want hard lashes and nuff of dem too. Not just a little slap pon de wrist. Nah! Hard lashes. Why back in my day I used to get to school early and i had to walk one mile up a hill in a sleet and hail, when i was at school overseas. Then when i returned home, I was always sure to get to school on time. So mek sure de children guh school pon time and not waste everyone's time!
Why are the colonial period ? : 10/16/2009
I thought Eric Williams told the Caribbean people Massa Day done ??????????????? I thought Bob Marley said to emancipate ourselves from mental slavery ??????????? The worse thing about this is that there in the photo, a RASTA MAN is beating the people's children ! This is a shame on our country !
Why are the colonial period ? : 10/16/2009
I thought Eric Williams told the Caribbean people Massa Day done ??????????????? I thought Bob Marley said to emacipate ourselves from mental slavery ??????????? The worse thing about this is that there in the photo, a RASTA MAN is beating the people's children ! This is a shame on our country !
lol @ licks like peas. : 10/16/2009
I ent hear that one in a long time... "sharing licks like peas"... If a student get as much as three of them I bet you they would run to school if they have to. Although I'm not affiliated with the facility, I feel if the powers that be believe this is what is needed to restore authority in the classroom so be it. If you ain' late, and you doing what is right all along then you wont get licks.
Getting licks for lateness : 10/16/2009
Is it really necessary to flog students for late arrival, couldn't they do lines or be banned from playing football. There is too many situations where an individual wants to dish our lashes or licks or put their hands on someone. People have to be more conscious of their actions against others because these actions increase and filter out into society. Adults in authority positions are supposed to lead by example, if the youth only have these types of experiences obviously they will copy them.
licks like peas : 10/16/2009
beat them, teach them and show them it works one way or the other, if it is allow do it. i would like some of those parent to visit the UK & USA to see the behaviour of the children then they will think different
16 / 19 /o/9 : 10/16/2009
Dear sir or madam i thought flogging children at school was out of date.if a child is late for school with out a parent concent school should let the parent know that there child will have detendsion next day . no teacher should put them hands on people children london v.h
STILL FLOGGING?? : 10/16/2009
I can't believe flogging in the schools in Barbados is still going on after all these years. Is it just St Leonards doing the floggins? I sure do remember those days!! Can The Ministry of Education (if they have anything to do with this) come up with a better form of punishment for being tardy? I've been there, had it done!! It's not fun!! LOL!! Whew! Can't do this in the US, even though they are many students who could do with what we called some "GOOD LICKS" like I had. Marilyn Ross-Tbeur Kansas City, MO USA
licks for lateness : 10/16/2009
Dr. Agard,I salute you and please continue to give them a flogging.. I know that those will never be late again...It has worked for me in my school days, and my first flogging ensured me that I was never late again...even as a grown man in my fifties ..I have never been late for work in all the years working for my company...bend the tree when it's young ..and you will never go wrong.......Trolly
Backward : 10/16/2009
Again, I reiterate, public humiliation of pupils will do nothing more than to antagonise an already bad situation. The young man that was recently bullied to death is a prime example. I am actually fed up of this backward way of dealing with issues in Barbados!! Remember the laws of physics...every action has an equal and opposite reaction!! I wonder why schools like Harrison College do not do this to their tardy students but schools that are perceived to be the lower performing schools are always subjected to these archaic methods of discipline...utterly ridiculous!!
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