BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A petition has been launched by the Patent Teachers Association (PTA) of the Basseterre High School (BHS) to have the school body relocated with immediate effect.
The petition comes in light of numerous complaints of ailments, which include respiratory problems, fainting, rashes and chemical burns, which many believe to be as a direct result of the BHS environment.
Nearing the end of a PTA meeting last evening (Oct. 23), the petition was revealed and this morning, during the fourth day of a protest staged by some teachers and students of the school, copies of the petition were circulated and individuals asked to sign.
The document reads, “The purpose of this petition is to focus our collective attention on the Basseterre High School Health Crisis in our continued efforts to protect the health and well-being of the students and teachers. We therefore demand an end to the interruption of the students’ learning and educational process in the long run, and to put an end to the growing number of students and teachers health issues, which are continually being affected by the elements in the environment at the Basseterre High School. Immediately we ask for a relocation of the school and discussions on the rebuilding of the new home of BHS.
“The petition is specifically directed to the Minister of Education and Ministry of Education as a result of the BHS Health Crisis. In addition, this petition is extended to the Chief Medical Officer and the Ministry of Health. Please show your unwavering support by affixing your full name and signature in agreement with the absolute content of this petition.”
Copies of another document was also circulated to parents and students – to give to their parents – granting their children “permission to be absent from school and to participate in and support any demonstration or like activities organised by members of the PTA and/or the PTA of the BHS.”
At the PTA meeting – which saw tensions rising between groups of parents who shared opposing views – the permission slip was also released and while some were accepting of it, others felt the request was not in good taste.
Meanwhile, today’s leg of the protest saw less students participating however, a couple of parents joined the teachers in solidarity.
One parent, who said she signed the petition, explained to SKNVibes that her son is not affected but “If I don’t stand with the teachers now to prevent my son from becoming sick, if I don’t stop it now, one day it could be my turn. I would say to parents don’t be afraid. Come out and support the teachers and children so that they can go back in school and have a normal life.”
Another, who also said she signed the petition, informed that her son is asthmatic and she is constantly purchasing rescue inhalers for him. She said he is regularly missing school because his respiratory illness is aggravated.
Information reaching SKNVibes suggests that while the protest was in progress, two senior police officers reportedly advised the senior members at the BHS that it was unlawful for the group to congregate outside the school as, as was explained, permission of the Commissioner of Police would have to be sought for such to take place.
SKNVibes is not aware that anyone involved in the protest was taken into police custody.
