NASSAU, Bahamas — Schools across the country will now reopen on October 5 with virtual learning only for the islands of New Providence, Abaco and Eleuthera, Minister of Education Jeff Lloyd announced Monday, The Tribune reported on August 31, in an article written by Tanya Smith-Cartwright.
However, some parents of Abaco students are incensed, saying without utilities they cannot participate in that method of learning. Schools on Grand Bahama—which has the second highest number of COVID-19 cases—and other islands will be allowed to reopen with face-to-face learning.
These dates apply to both public and private schools, Mr Lloyd said. Schools were previously expected to open for the fall semester on September 21.
Mr Lloyd also said national exams, which were halted months ago due to the pandemic, will resume on September 14.
“The targeted opening date of schools across the Bahamas is Monday, October 5,” Mr Lloyd said. “This goes for public and private schools. One size does not fit all. Thus, schools on the islands of New Providence, Abaco and Eleuthera will open in a completely virtual environment. That is online. While schools on Grand Bahama and all other islands will open face-to-face.
“This delay allows the ministry and parents/care-givers the opportunity to secure the needed devices for the full participation of all involved in the teaching and learning process. There is also a need to complete the installation of the adequate level of internet service needed for connectivity to the Department’s Virtual Platform for thousands of students who will now remain at home in both the public and the private education sectors.”
According to Mr Lloyd, in anticipation of the return of some 55,000 students to the classroom, be it virtual or face-to-face, the Ministry of Education projects its 2020 summer repairs programme to cost some $27 million dollars. See full Tribune story at http://www.tribune242.com/news/2020/aug/31/schools-out-new-term-delayed-til-oct-5-and-then-on/
