Minister not fazed by protest

New Minister of Education Kay McConney says she has no problem with those taking protest action to call for a resumption of face-to-face classes on February 21.

“My simple response to those persons is, bravo. This Government and my ministry are working across all ministries to meet the target of February 21 which we have set for children to return to school. We are not working in individual silos but are seeking the support and guidance of all stakeholders to ensure the return is safe for all involved,” she said yesterday after a ground-breaking ceremony for a 200-metre track at Springer Memorial School.

“The persons who protested were exercising their democratic right in a country that is free, and we look forward to working with them to see how we can reach the target on February 21 successfully,” she added.

Last Saturday’s protest by the group Safely Open Schools Barbados saw scores of children and parents assembling at the Bay Street Esplanade, St Michael, opposite Government Headquarters. With placards, they chanted slogans such as Put Kids First, No More Online and Open The Schools. (KB)

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