Your solution at hand

WE FACE MANY challenges and often look to other people for solutions. Some of these people may not be a part of the solution but instead are part of the problem. Even though they are paid workers, they have no interest in finding a timely solution. Many years ago, there was a leak in the roof of the science lab where upwards of 42 students conducted their experiments. The solution was to place a small piece of $1 flash band to cover the leak. This, I should have done myself since the roof was low and the bureaucracy caused such inconvenience to our students for such a long time.

On another occasion, the flex cord in a toilet leaked and needed replacement. The official plumber was called. He identified the problem and said that a new flex cord was needed. We told him that we would purchase it. He told us to wait because he had to consult with his boss whereupon he informed us that he cannot do the repairs because he has to wait on instructions. Replacing a flex cord is something that I should have been able to do myself.

One year I informed the administration that certain chemicals were urgently needed for the CSEC chemistry SBAs. I was informed the relevant authority was contacted to requisition the essential chemicals. Periodic checks were made to no avail. By the time I got Seventh Day Adventist Community Services to donate the chemicals, it was too late for that batch of graduating students so they got no results in Chemistry. I should have challenged those grades because we did all we could with the resources we had and students

PEOPLE ARE ASKING:

* If Zion I’s ‘Mash Up De Country’ is libelous then why is Magikal’s ‘No Order’ not seditious?

* Why does it feel like carnival is now all about street jams? Is this the only activity that rural carnivals now have?

* Has anybody taken note of how high the Fuel Surcharge is on the recent Electricity bills? What ever happen to that promise about cheaper electricity with the oil from Venezuela/Petrocaribe?

* Is the Road Rehabilitation Programme finished? Are certain roads in certain constituencies still not repaired having been in disrepair for at least two elections now?

* Why are school children saying that the NDP will make at least one candidate change for the next election? Is that candidate ‘Patel’ Matthews?

* And will we see the ULP making a change in the East St. George constituency?

should not suffer because of adult negligence. I should have used my own resources to procure the needed chemicals.

The biggest economic and cultural activity on the island was being cancelled because the playing field was not cut. One secondary, two primary and sometimes the preschools would hold their sporting events on the field. Apparently, the officials responsible did not cut the field. My view was that if the field needed to be cut, we should cut it. So, I arranged for Lenny Mills to cut the field at a cost of $500 with a promise to pay later. Sometime after, an official accosted me accusing me of selling on the compound. I responded with the question: “Do you know how we were able to conduct sports that year and how the cutting of the field was paid for?”

Schools need permanent maintenance workers and we were fortunate to have a retired master maintenance man, Mr. Simeon Stewart, living across the street from the school, who made himself available to help us in any way he could. Nevertheless, many spurned his assistance resorting to complaints to the authority. On one conversation, I asked them why they were allowing the school to “rusn down” under their watch. On a visit by one of the highest official, we agreed on a protocol for volunteer repair help. He has not been heard from since.

The job description of school administrators clearly states that they are responsible to keep their school and its premises in good repair. They should not allow anyone else to subject them to function under dilapidated conditions. Schools, staff, administration, students, and community volunteers must join together to make their institution look good. That solution is in our hands. Let those who perpetuate the theory of learned helplessness seek counselling.

Anthony G. Stewart, PhD