The Government of Saint Lucia is reaffirming its commitment to providing schools with supportive and well-prepared learning environments, as Minister in the Ministry of Education, Danny Butcher, toured several educational institutions in the south of the island at the start of the new school term.
The visits were aimed at assessing readiness following the Christmas break and gauging morale among students, teachers and administrators. According to Minister Butcher, the overall picture was a positive one.
“The ministry saw it fitting to really go to all of the schools, as many schools as possible, to really assess the readiness of the school, with students coming back from the Christmas celebrations,” he said. “And my general impressions is I’m very impressed. The principals, the teachers, the students, everybody seemed ready.”
While noting that minor issues were identified at some schools, the minister stressed that none were of serious concern.
“We have no major, major issues. I mean you get the ordinary problems at each school which we documented and which we will take care of in the upcoming weeks as quickly as possible,” he explained. He added that the enthusiasm of educators was clear. “You get the general impressions from our teachers and principals that they’re ready, ready to work. They enjoyed Christmas and they are ready to work.”
The tour also carried personal significance for Minister Butcher, particularly during stops in Vieux Fort.
“At some level it would have been a bit emotional and Vieux Fort Comprehensive for me is very very close to my heart. Vieux Fort Primary as well because I attended Vieux Fort Primary,” he shared.
“So that would be slightly emotional to see your colleagues and to interact with your colleagues.”
He said the reception he received from staff was especially encouraging.
“The most beautiful thing about it is how welcoming they are to you and the level of expectation that they have from you really, really motivates you,” he noted.
Minister Butcher also paid special attention to Vieux Fort Special Education School, praising the dedication of its staff despite ongoing challenges.
“What is really, really motivating is how the teachers at Special Ed and the administration at Special Ed, how they continue to work very, very well, considering they don’t have the best conditions, but still they work very, very well,” he said.
The ministry says the feedback gathered during the visits will guide efforts to address identified needs promptly, as schools settle into the new term.