Caribbean News Now!

By D. Markie Spring
Turks and Caicos Islands

Vincentian parents are outraged over the recent devastating Common Entrance Examination results!

Despite the increased number of qualified teachers: with teachers’ college training, BAs and MAs; additional and repaired institutions: schools and research centres; and scholarships and academic funds made available to more citizens under the ULP administration, students are performing badly -- worse than before … an education revolution indeed!

The author of a number of published works, D. Markie Spring was born in St Vincent and the Grenadines and now resides in Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands. He has an MBA from the University of Leicester, England, and a BA from Saint Mary's University, Canada

However, I believe it is not the fault of the hardworking teachers; it’s the education system itself, backed by political insurgency!

Nonetheless, this is not a satirical faultfinding mission so let’s stop for a moment and applaud the government for those added facilities and infrastructure. It would be irresponsible for me to go on without acknowledging these endeavours! Furthermore, our education system, like many other systems, deserves scrutiny and constructive criticism; criticism that would allow our government to make certain adjustments. Isn’t this why we all exist?

More so, before the political ‘spy hunters’ set out to demonize and defame my character, I am encouraging them to leave ‘PAT’: politics, attacks (personal) and trash (talking) out of the equation.

The new policy of our declining education system to send all students to secondary school is contemptuously disparaging and a direction that exhibits totalitarian sentiments; a centralized governmental system that directs the lives of the people, even the students.

We are not governed by socialist principles; hence, our government cannot direct our lives!

Back then, I remember clearly my parents asked me the question, at home: ‘What do you want to become when you grow up?’ At school, our teacher asked the same question and, in the media, NBC Radio had regular educational programs designed to help students decide their career paths. In essence, the students had a say in what career path they wished to take; parents and teachers and the government provided guidance and infrastructure, and everyone, including taxpayers, understand our education system; hence, our success.

Contrary to what I’ve just explained, my neighbour and best friend at the time had no interest in high school, but preferred to learn a skill; a pathway that illustrates his interest and one that characterize his ability and norm. He was able to make a ‘dead radio’ talk; he was capable of bringing back a television to life and produced lights in a house even before he had his college certificate in electrical. Today, he is as successful as I am and only graduated primary school and went on to successfully complete a certificate in electrical at Marion House in Kingstown. His communication skills are exemplary while his capabilities allowed him to be a manager in his field.

That was back then; it’s different now!

Stupendously, students are given an ultimatum to attend high school and be taught subjects in which they have no interest. Does this infringe on the right of the students to choose? Does this improve our education system? Look around and see all those students who were forced to choose a career path other than what they wanted… they have dropped out and failed – miserably – and they did because they were forced into something in which they have no interest.

Additionally, if students realized that they have a free pass into secondary schools, then there is no motivation to study and pass; after all, pass or not, they will be heading to high school. The game of politics also plays a huge role in the students’ failures; remember the Lowmans Windward primary school situation where ‘this lady’ was acting principal when endless experienced, hardworking and qualified teachers were placed in other positions – the quarterbacks for ULP. However, those who had similar experience, hardworking and qualified, but supported the NDP, were remotely placed, while others were refused reinstatement after they contested general elections. All this is happening while our students are failing! As they always say, “What a government!”

If we still do not see this callous setback, let me remind you Mark Zuckerberg, Lady Gaga, Steve Jobs and Michael S. Dell all have four things in common; first, they were forced to pursue academic fields in which they had no interest; two, they all failed; three, they all dropped out; and, last, they are all now successful in the career paths they took, except for Steve Jobs whom the Lord has called home!

Have the elite in our education system considered these drawbacks before enacting and implementing this horrendous policy? Furthermore, if an ordinary individual like me could painstakingly see through this unwarranted destructive ritual, what about the condescending governing intellectuals who have been showcased by the two ‘pot cakes’ here as the ‘most brilliant’ of all?

Is our education system designed to fail – willfully sabotaging the future of the land, which breaks down the system and allows citizens to be dependent upon the government? Is our education system asking everyone to become doctors, teachers, pilots, managers, police, and the like? If so, who is tasked to clean the streets, do electrical work, work as plumbers, grow the foods, operate heavy equipment, construct the buildings and so forth?

Similarly, have we learned from mistakes of the US? How a huge part of the US population is acquiring college degrees to perform office jobs, while the Mexicans and other foreign workers have to be imported to work the gardens, weld the iron, fix the vehicles and so on! Are we learning from the outside or have we boxed ourselves in a remote corner called SVG?

Ideally, it is expected that our leaders involve and consider the intangibles of the education system. We could repair and construct schools, provide millions of dollars in student loans and scholarship funds and develop a million academic programs; however, without the follow up of the system, the demolition of politics and the communication links, the end result will always be a mediocre and retarded education system.

Our education system reminds me of communism, where everyone is sent to the fields to perform a task, a job that some persons do not like and have no skills in; hence, the lack of motivation to work. When everyone is sent to secondary school we are only encouraging those without interest to fail and drop out! Mind you, not everyone has the intellectual capacity to learn the fields of the secondary education system.

Let’s change the way we do things; it’s not working and it’s on us to do what we have to do to create the change!

We must purse quality not quantity and a system that balances our education criteria!

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Angus E. T. Johnny:

Mr Markie Spring - I have not responded to your articles since you said you were off to the USA to study for your Phd, after reading through this article it leaves me totally underwhelmed with your conclusions.

It would appear that you are against the provisions for education in SVG where children have the opportunity to further their life's skills and achieve something better for themselves by having an education, you appear to be championing a reversion to the old system in SVG whereby, if a chield's parents have the financial means, they get the benefit of a secondary education, your examples above of Zuckerberg, Jobs and Dell who did not finish their university degrees does not help your argument, they are exceptional people who would gain a Phd if they had the time and inclination to study for such degrees.

I could go on about your lack of insight and judgement on the education of the Vincentian people, however, I find it very depressing to think that a person like yourself who has benefitted from the educational infrastructure of SVG would think it's wasteful to allow future generations of Vincentians the same or better education than yourself.

Your thinking takes me back to my Grand Parent's generation who looked up to people who had better education than themselves, they waited to be told what's good for them, unlike today's generation who are blessed with the means to gain an education that liberates them, it gives them the opportunity to intigrate into working societies accross the world, there are thousands who have done this and they are maintaining a fruitful life, thanks to the education the people of SVG paid for with their sweat and blood.

An educated person is armed with the knowledge to plan for him/herself, they are liberated from dependancy on the state.

I end by saying: You have scraped the bottom of the barrel with this article!

Simon Anderson:

MARKIE, BEFORE YOU GO ANY FURTHER, AREN'T YOU FORGETTING SOMETHING?

Markie, we still have some unfinished business to take care of.

Do you remember the other article you wrote to Caribbean News Now, where YOU LIED about pre-election violence in Chateaubelair?

We have not yet disposed of that untruth.

Markie, do you honestly expect the readers here to take you seriously when you lied to them, and have not yet apologized for doing so.

Look Markie, I admit, I COULD BE WRONG!

If I am wrong, please correct me.

However, if I am correct, then the readers of this forum certainly deserve an EXPLANATION and an APOLOGY.

You see Markie, I don't know about you, but no-one likes others lying to them. And it is my contention that YOU LIED, MARKIE.

As I said, I could be wrong, but should that be the case, why don't you simply explain why you made that false accusation ON THIS FORUM on December 6th, 2010 in the article entitled "A POLITICAL WAR WITH BLOODSHED?"

If you could remember, Markie, you said that 4 ULP men attacked, beat and kicked 3 NDP women into practical unconsciousness.

The truth is that THE EXACT OPPOSITE IS TRUE.

The attackers were NDP, and the victims were ULP supporters.

But here is what you did, Markie. You ruthlessly switched the roles to make it look like the ULP supporters (who were the victims) were actually the attackers.

Look Markie, maybe someone gave you this information and you simply did not fact-check it. That would be an acceptable explanation!

Another explanation may be that you recklessly and callously MADE-UP THE STORY. The thing is that...we do not know which one is correct.

The readers want to know, Markie, and I do too!

So I will tell you what. Since we have not had any answers from you, I will simply ask this question EACH AND EVERY WEEK until I get an answer.

Markie, you remind me of MITT ROMNEY. You told a lie, and you refuse to admit it, or clear the air.

How that will help you or him, is anyone's guess.

Personally, I think IT IS DUMB -- but then, that is only my opinion.

WHY NOT ANSWER THE QUESTION AND MOVE ON, MARKIE?

OK, so you messed up. That is okay. We all do, at some time or another. We are only human.

But you want to play super-human, and you do not want to admit the error of your nasty ways.

Why would you permit this to languish for such a long time, my friend?

The readers are looking are you kinda funny.

...And I am gently reminding you of this short-coming constantly. And it is not going away. So why no fess up, Markie? Be a man, and simply speak the truth.

Well, my brother, if this is the way you want it.....

I guess I will just have to ask the same old question ..... week after week ... after week ...after week.....

John:

All i have to say on this Markie is,

"You can take a donkey to the pipe but you can't force it to drink"

But if that donkey is to die of thirst, you are not to blame because you presented the opportunity for the donkey.

Allan Palmer:

Markie you did a Wonderful Job on this piece. however there is one very important point you omited or thing you forgot to mention, which will make the result even worst and that is the fact, when the ULP government took office they lower the pass mark for the common entrance exam.

This was done to inflate the pass rate and to make them look good; however, it back fire big time and caused damage to our most important and valued resources: Young human resources.

The actions of the ULP have created a laziness that have circumvent the attitudes of the people and it have affected and infected the mind of the younger generation.

If you use the measurement of evaluating pass and fail, that was used before the ULP took control of the administration of the country you will discover one simple fact. The condition is worst than it appear.

My brother Dark dark days a head of us.

Simon Anderson:

Really, I am at a total loss after reading the CRAP above, written by Markie Spring!

I am wondering if Markie Spring really does have a Masters Degree. If he does, then how could he be opposing all Vincentian students having the opportunity of receiving a secondary education?

The Vincentian government is quite aware that 100% of those who enter secondary school would not complete the course. They are also aware that everyone is not meant to be a doctor, lawyer or engineer.

Here is the bottom line though. If a student would eventually become an electrician, mechanic, nurse, plumber etc, would two or three years of secondary education hurt them?

Look at it this way as well: of the professions previously mentioned, won't they, and the country be much better off if they had a few additional years of secondary education?

How about this view as well? If those individuals had a few years of secondary education, would it not be easier for them to build on that foundation in obtaining a certificate in their chosen field?

...And how about this one: Those few years of secondary education would certainly make it easier for them to be accepted in a school or program specifically geared for field of specialization.

How on earth Markie Spring could call the government's policy of sending all students to secondary school "contemptuously disparaging," "totalitarian sentiments" and "socialist principles?"

SPRING's HOGWASH goes even further though. Here is what he said, "our government cannot direct our lives."

Well, should we then give primary school children the choice of going, or not going, to school as they chose?

Where does one draw the line?

All systems could be criticized or critiqued, since we (none of us) are not perfect.

If a system receives a 99% grade, they still could do better!

If a system receives a 100% rating, some fool will still come along and criticize it!

Even if you were to WALK ON WATER, someone will still have a negative comment. This comes natural to humanity, especially Spring and Palmer.

Even if one were to heal the sick and raise the dead, PEOPLE WILL STILL FIND FAULT!

If you turn water into wine, there are those who will still cry, "CRUCIFY HIM!"

Patterson:

D. Markie Spring always writes drivel either just for the sake of writing or simply to put his name in print. The man is an absolute warped imbecile parading his BA and MBA before us. He profoundly hates the ides of the education revolution because with it more and more young Vincentians are being educated and going to University. Suddenly that small elite band of Vincentians to which he belonged with University degrees in SVG he fear would become a multitude of individuals.

However, in combating D. Markie Spring’s gross prejudice, firstly one must ask one’s self what is the purpose of an education to young people of SVG! An immediate answer may be the one given by a former Head teacher and Education Minister in the UK and Privy Council member in 1987. He said “the purpose of education is to broaden the mind” Sir Rhodes Boyson a British educator, author and politician.

An education to only primary level could hardly be said to have broadened the mind. An educated employee who has had an education beyond the primary state is better by far than the one who dropped out of school at the primary stage of his schooling.

Benjamin Disraeli that English statesman and writer (1804-1881) speaking of the UK had this to say in a speech in 1874 Quote; “Upon the education of the people of this country the fate of this country depends.” However the man D. Markie Spring is not so enlightened, moreover he does not reside here in SVG. As Benjamin Disraeli had observed for the UK so it is for SVG that upon the education of the people of SVG the fate of this country SVG depends!

SVG does not has any raw materials as a resource such as Gold, Oil, Copper, Tin, Silver Coal or Gas, all we have is our human resource, so it is imperative and good if we could get them, our people educated and get them highly educated swiftly, prompt and rapidly after all we have to compete on a world stage. It does us no good to remain backward and dunce, incapable of competing with the only resource we have at our disposal.

D. Markie Spring said “The new policy of our declining education system to send all students to secondary school is contemptuously disparaging and a direction that exhibits totalitarian sentiments; a centralized governmental system that directs the lives of the people, even the students.” What pertinacious perverse rot!

Hence by D. Markie Spring analysis the British and all other educational authorities who centralise education and ensure that all children go on beyond primary school are horrid totalitarians. Also note his, Markie’s words “our declining education system..” Who other than Markie says our education system is declining?

But for truth one does not believe that D. Markie Spring has concern for our young, his concern is for his own plight in this new age of the Education Revolution. If D. Markie Spring were to continue in a small band of Vincentians who attained an education beyond primary stage then he would be in an elite. An elite grouping of Vincentians with Secondary and University education!

However, with all Vincentian children going on to secondary education with an opportunity for obtaining a University education then the shine are being removed from D. Markie Spring’s BA and MBA and that can’t be good in the twisted and jealous mind of D. Markie Spring.

D. Markie Spring let it be known that surprise, surprise that children do not like going to school. What’s new Markie? Aristotle (384-322BC) that legendary Greek philosopher wrote “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” In Diogenes Laertius, Lives of Philosophers.

Indeed D. Markie Spring it seems would prefer it better if our education system turned out more labourers pushing hand carts around town touting for the shopping bags from his and his likes to be delivered to their new De-lux 4x4. Uneducated labourers waiting and labouring for the educated elite with their BA and MBA!

Education according to Markie is not for the rest of us plebs. In Markie’s twisted and perverted world view the rest of us plebeian Vincentians are not suitable material for such high minded pursuit as secondary education. Surely we would much prefer to drop out at the age of 12 and follow a more manual pursuit!

Hence it is therefore not surprising to read this from Dr the Honourable Ralph E. Gonzales Quote; “Amazing as it may seem now, the opposition NDP objected to universal secondary education. In the year 2000, the NDP government had agreed with the World Bank and other international partners that such a programme (universal secondary education) should be implemented gradually over a 25-to-30 year period.” The Making of the Comrade by Dr the Honourable Ralph E. Gonzales, 2010.

There the NDP was in agreement to have a phased universal secondary education system brought in over a period of 25-30 years in so doing, several generations more of young Vincentians, would have left school at the primary level, thereby condemning the nation SVG, to the backwoods of world nations but D. Markie Spring sees no harm in that after all he, his immediate family and his elite companions would not be in that lump of the plebeian dunce Vincentians after all, they have their BA and their MBA and their PhDs.

But let me not go on but close with this from the Cynic Diogenes that Greek ascetic Philosopher (C.400-325 BC) in Diogenes Laertius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers. “Education is something that tempers the young and consoles the old, gives wealth to the poor and adorns the rich.”

Patterson.
Kingstown Park,
SVG.

Gersham Alexander:

Gentlemen, I am also living overseas. I was a U.L.P. supporter(I lived in Chateaubelair) when I was in S.V.G. I wish to set the record straight about the news of the pre-election violence. I also received the news that U.l.P supporters attacked and wounded N.D.P supporters in Chatto. I, however, called home to verify that news knowing that the U.l.P people that I knew who never condescend to such violent behaviour. Markie, who hailed from Georgetown, would not access to that information until it was published in the media. Maybe he did not follow up on this information before he published his column.

That was 2010, we need to move on. We need the spirit of forgiveness. Jesus said we need to forgive others before our Heavenly Father forgive us. We need to stop the personal attacks and continue the discussion. We may not 'see eye to eye' on the issues. But at least let's drop the personal attacks. Markie has a right to his opinion just as you or me. I do not subscribe to some of his statements. But his background or the colour of his eyes (etc.)should never be part of the discussion. Let's grow up and stop the childish behaviour. Let's be objective and try to inform the debate with constructive ideas/comments.

Here is part of Simon's response (from above)..."How about this view as well? If those individuals had a few years of secondary education, would it not be easier for them to build on that foundation in obtaining a certificate in their chosen field?

..."And how about this one: Those few years of secondary education would certainly make it easier for them to be accepted in a school or program specifically geared for field of specialization."

Now, I agree with Simon that a foundation is needed. I am an educator. However, I think that diversity at the tertiary level is needed.

Lets not crucify Markie. Let's have a healthy discussion on our education system. We have trained our nationals for the white collar jobs. We do have an abundance of these graduates. Now we need to train people for all aspects industry. We need to to do so in order to maximize our industrial potential.

Simon Anderson:

TO MR ALEXANDER --

Thank you Sir, for a wonderful response. I must say that I am in agreement with many of your comments. However, since no two persons are exactly the same, we also have a difference of opinion in a couple of areas.

I agree that we need to move on -- about that there could be no question.

Nevertheless, in order to move-on, the person at fault ought to "man-up" and ADMIT THAT THEY MADE A MISTAKE.

IF indeed, he accidentally published FALSE INFORMATION which was passed-on to him, then WHY NOT ADMIT IT?

Simply come out and let the readers know that you received false information which you thought was correct. Now that you know that you disseminated false information, you are sorry to have misled them.

Mr Alexander, that just took me one (1) minute, and one (1) paragraph to do. Can't Markie do that?

Why won't Markie do that?

He could easily clear the air, and WE COULD MOVE ON if Markie would simply admit that he made a mistake.

Yes, we need to forgive, but how does a person who has not asked for forgiveness, receive it?

Mr Alexander, you said that you too, heard the false rumours about pre-election violence. DO YOU KNOW WHO STARTED THAT LYING RUMOUR?

Is it impossible that it is MARKIE HIMSELF who is guilty of doing so?

If he did not make-up that lie, then why doesn't he come out and say so? And while he is at it, simply say "someone in St Vincent falsely supplied this information to me."

I certainly will NOT be one crucifying Markie, but a man is certainly RESPONSIBLE for his statements. Words have meanings AND CONSEQUENCES!

Unfortunately Mr Alexander, this is not the only lie Markie has told on this forum. There are others as well.

Additionally, he has stolen a sermon from TV Evangelist Joel Osteen, AND BROUGHT IT HERE pretending it is his.

If I may, could I suggest this? It will be the ultimate testimony to Jesus and the need to access the spirit of forgiveness.

Mr Alexander, how about you writing a personal letter to Markie Spring asking him to cease and desist from lying?

Patterson:

Hear, hear Simon!

D. Markie Spring would do us good to desist from pushing more lies in the future but don’t hold your breath! Here is one idea he is currently pushing, the idea that he is so important the SVG Government has the time and money to expend and has sent out Spies as hunters for the likes of him.

That idea is her from this very post itself! Quote; “…before the political ‘spy hunters’ set out to demonize and defame my character,….” The idea is truly laughable!

Another drivel of his is here wrapped up as fact, Quote; “Vincentian parents are outraged over the recent devastating Common Entrance Examination results!”

Now where did D. Markie Spring get the information as “facts” that “students are performing badly -- worse than before …”? Where is D. Markie Spring source material?

The man is a narcissistic individual, a self- absorbed creature who is not only an egotistical specimen of what passes for a human being he is just so conceited he cannot bring himself to admit an error of judgement!

Yes he could therefore make a good start by publishing facts only, if he just can’t bring himself to issue an apology for his published untruth!

The man has so many failings it is unbelievable! Let’s hope he does takes counselling and reform himself!

Patterson
Kingstown Park,
SVG.

D. Markie Spring :

Wow overwhelmed

Searching for time to respond. Thanks Gersham well said and Palamer we fought our way to the top while students nowadays are getting a free pass.

Son as I hav etime I'll respond.

Congrats ET JOhnny Star radio "big you up" fo your response. I guess birds of feature flocking together.

Patterson:

It is noteworthy to remember that at the time of Dr the Honourable Ralph E. Gonsalves first administration here in SVG, Quote; “adult illiteracy was in excess of twenty percent of the population; only 39 percent of 12 year olds were at secondary schools;” The Making of the Comrade by Dr the Honourable Ralph E. Gonsalves. 2010.

Hence as much as twenty percent of the Vincentian population was declared functionally “illiterate” what a miserable and heart-rending tragedy for our small nation then! What was even worst “….only 39 percent of 12 year olds were at secondary schools;” The Making of the Comrade by Dr the Honourable Ralph E. Gonsalves. 2010.

Work it out folks, this meant that as much as 61% of our nation’s young people then had left the school system and therefore could not benefit from education. Is it surprising then that we as Vincentians are now so dysfunctional? What age would those early leaving young people be today? And yes they are now the young adults we have to encounter today in all walks of life!

Yes again those actual young adults are the very, said same Van drivers whom we have to deal with, the Car drivers, shop assistant, those who haul carts around the town, the new parents, the vendors and so forth, the office workers, Officers in government. Need I go on? One may then ask is there an inverse connection to our nation’s ghastly dysfunctionalism, our vile anti social behaviour?

It is here submitted that there is indeed a close inverse correlation between bad behaviour, awful uncouth manners, shocking coarseness, lack of appreciation of antisocial behaviour and appalling antisocial dysfunctionalism in our nation.

Claude Adrien Helvetius (1715-1771) a French Philosopher wrote “Education made us what we are” De l’esprit (1758). Is he right? How does education shape us and make us what we are? Is it a good thing to have a secondary level education? Would we make better citizens with and by attaining to a secondary education?

Francis Bacon (1561-1568) that noted English empiricist Philosopher in an essay in 1625 wrote, Quote; “Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man.”

Just how well would we be compared to other nations as a people if we are they who attained only to a primary education? How well would we be able to understand the spread of literature, the tools of the sciences, the Arts, the language of Mathematics?

It is submitted that the lack of prolonged educational learning of the young on the Vincentian population prior to the Education revolution of Dr the Honourable Ralph E. Gonsalves was therefore alarmingly dreadful on the lives of all Vincentian.

The lack of prolonged educational learning of the young on the Vincentian population prior to the Education revolution of Dr the Honourable Ralph E. Gonsalves condemned a sizable part of the nation to illiteracy, 20% in value;

The lack of prolonged educational learning of the young on the Vincentian population prior to the Education revolution of Dr the Honourable Ralph E. Gonsalves condemned the major portion of the nation to semi literate status and the elite few was happy with that state of affairs, although they themselves also suffered the consequence of dysfunctionalism in the nation, the resultant effects of the poor level of educational attainment on the mass of the young Vincentians.

Indeed we see here D. Markie Spring’s appalling and outrageous stance! Dysfunctionalism he would say, what disfuctionalism? Illiterate who is illiterate? Where are they I encounter none! Semi- literate! who? Well if at the age of 12 you have no further use of school, it beggars belief how on earth you could be considered as fully versed in the art of reading, writing and arithmetic!

Allan Bloom (1930-1992) a US academic and critic wrote Quote; “The liberally educated person is one who is able to resist the easy and preferred answers, not because he is obstinate but because he knows others worthy of consideration.” The closing of the American mind. Indeed, with 61% of young people out of the education system, how were we as a nation to produce those “liberally educated person”?

That Swiss-born French educationist and essayist Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) once wrote Quote; “One is only curious in proportion to one’s level of education” [Emile ou De L’education] (1762).

D. Markie Spring prefers us however to be dunce! As dunce we are more flexible and pliable to his and his kind nefarious intent. Lord Henry Brougham (1778-1868) Scottish politician, abolitionist and journalist, once observed “Education makes a people easy to lead, but difficult to drive; easy to govern but impossible to enslave.”

It is somewhat surprising and also even more somewhat difficult to comprehend how the descendant of slaves is now advocating a policy of deprivation of liberal education beyond the age of 12 years old.

PATTERSON
Kingstown Park,
SVG.

Martin Baptiste:

Mr. Spring should do a little more reading and research on the approach to Skills development or Technical and Vocational Education and Training which is being implemented in the education system in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (and throughout the Caribbean). It is moving beyond the training received by his neighbour in Marion House, to certifying skills in the secondary schools, technical institutes and the Community College. The system is being increasingly diversified to meet the career needs of learners, but doing so by providing competency-based training in many skill areas.

Based on the CXC results, over 35% of students in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are reported as successfully completing a vocational subject (skill area)annually. This is a good start but does not include those being trained through the Community College and other TVET programmes. We can al agree that the system, even in his day guaranteed every child 12 years of Basic Education (7, primary and 5 secondary).

At least, in 2012, every child can access secondary education in a secondary school rather than some in the All-age grades of primary schools and others in secondary schools. We can also all agree that we want every child to graduate with minimum competencies in literacy and numeracy and preparation for further education or entry level work.

But, increasingly, it is further education that is desirable, while we certify the skills of those much older and unemployed and those in the work-force without relevant certification. We cam all also agree that we should not be asking whether every child in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (and in the Caribbean) should have a secondary education, when our more developed counterparts are seeking to provide post-secondary/tertiary/university education for all of their children.

Our children must attain higher levels of education as their world peers with whom they will compete for jobs and opportunities in this very connected, globalised world.

Simon Anderson:

Mr Patterson, I do not know how long you have been following CNN, or Markie Spring's writing .... but that really does not matter.

The reason I mentioned that, is because I would like to give you a sincere compliment from the bottom of my heart.

You may have been following, but not writing on CNN, since I cannot remember seeing your name previously. Nevertheless, your characterization of Markie Spring is RIGHT ON TARGET!

You correctly described Markie as being narcissistic, and a self-absorbed creature.

In particular, I thought your characterization of him as being an egotistical specimen of what passes for a human being could not be more accurate.

I also liked your observation of him being conceited, and unable to admit a mistake. However, it MUST be easier to admit a mistake than to have the suspicion and charge if being A LIAR continually hanging over your head.

In this case, he cannot say it was a mistake, because IT WAS NOT A MISTAKE!

MARKIE is the one who originated, hatched, created, produced, composed, planned, premeditated, concocted and manufactured that lie!

That is exactly why he cannot say it was a mistake!

Mr Alexander is obviously unaware of Sprig's other lies...but I am. That is why I am on his case like this.

There are those who feel that I am being too hard on Markie, but they speak out of a lack of thorough knowledge of the lying serpent called Markie Spring.

Spring, like the proverbial leopard, cannot change his spots. Here he is once more LYING by saying that "Vincentian parents are outraged over the recent devastating Common Entrance Examination results."

This is absolutely NOT TRUE. In fact, year after year, the results are generally improving. In my day, if a student passed 6 subjects at GCE, that was considered excellent. Today, our students are passing 11, 12 and 13 subjects in one sitting.

The bottom line still is this: MARKIE SPRING IS A PATHETIC LIAR.

D. Markie Spring :

Education is a process, which allows one generation to transfer customs, values and knowledge to the next generation. Education also confers through experiences that affect the way one thinks and acts.

First, thanks to Allan Palmer and Gersham Alexander for their professionalism. The rest of you really should take a lesson. At times we disagree, but we are educated enough to respect each other’s perspectives while we discuss matters and finding solutions.

Palmer, yes, the standard of the exams were dropped in 2002, thank you – Is this the ‘education revolution’ we bragged daily? Pre Common Entrance we studied endlessly to past at the highest scores. Nowadays, you simply get a free ticket to secondary school, even those who do not want to be there, so why work hard?

Gresham, on the contrary, I cannot see the good in allowing students to enter secondary school when we know that they are going to fail or drop out! After they dropped out what’s next? No one is going to accept a person who has dropped out of school into any program. Let’s allow them to complete their schooling in their fields. This is a waste of time (student, teachers); this waste of money (parents, government and tax payers); this is a waste of other resources (tax payers’, government’s, parents’ and the students’) and space. Why not sending these young men and women to technical schools where they have interest? Considering my zeal to study at the tertiary level, no one cannot offer me to study fields, such as law and sergeant; asked me what field I would like to study and I’ll tell you economics, finance or Marketing.

Secondary school students, who have dropped out, asked them what they have learnt!

Palmer isn’t this the ‘mediocrity’ you spoke about?

How can we waste those 1, 2, 3, or 4 years in secondary school just to drop out, lets use those 1,2, 3 and 4 years to educate them at the technical level and in fields where they have interests.

‘ET Johnny and crew’, as purported, education does not start at secondary school level; education begins at the stage where the mother or father or brother spanked the 2 year old and informed him/ her that picking a dead roach from the ground and attempted to eat it is wrong. That’s education. However, we are sent to school to learn to read, write, access and analyze criteria – in sum we are sent to learn how to think. That’s why our teachers spent so many years trying to help us to form letters, and parading us around comprehension lessons and mathematical problems.

Al this happens at the primary level. As a matter of fact, we currently have teacher in our system that never entered high schools. They finished school at Senior 3 and went on to be teachers.

For those of us who showed interests and qualities in becoming managers, doctors, pilots, policemen, nurses etc we were placed in junior 5A and those who did not have interest in going to secondary school were placed in Junior 5B, who then will be promoted to Senior 1, 2 and 3 where they were given another chance to realize their opportunity to attend secondary school. At Senior 3 a few would then embrace the opportunity and the other would go on to technical schools to learn skills. This is education and good practice.

‘ET Johnny and crew’ told Vincentians that those who did not attend secondary school are “dunce” I quote. One has to attend secondary school and higher to have an education? Vincentians is this true? Isn’t primary school education? What about the trade that they have learnt, isn’t this education to? Only a finance manager who learns about bonds, Treasury Bills, earnings before profit, debt, equity and dividends has an education? A person who went technical college and studied mechanic learns about the functions of the fuel pump, how the pistons work and how the alternator sends electrical power to the engine. Vincentians this isn’t education? They have something that we do not have and vice versa. That’s why we call them when we have problems. If they worth nothing why do we call them.

‘ET Johnny and crew’ I am assuming that you work in offices. Let’s say that the bulbs in your offices go bad – do you fix them yourself or you call an electrician? When the toilets in your office does not flush, I do not want to talk about your houses, because you may think I am getting person; therefore, I ll stay in your offices, do you fix them or you call the plumber? Your cars that are parked in the parking lots outside of your offices cannot start, do you fix them yourself of you call a mechanic? ET in this sense, imagine a St Vincent and the Grenadines with just people like ‘you and your crew’ There are different levels of education’ hence, primary and technical levels are just two of them.

“John” in his attempt to support ‘ET Johnny and crew’ rightly claimed that you cannot force people, exactly my point. What “John” did not know is that his lines assisted my argument. “John” in your reference, if the donkey does not want water do not take him/ her.

‘ET Johnny and crew’ what would be your responses if the government went to you and told you that you have to study a field that you did not like – carpentry, mason, plumbing, construction etc, what would be your responses?

More so, not everyone has the intellectual capacity to succeed at the secondary school level. Even more, ET not because you are a bank manager does mean that you have the intellectual capacity to study mechanics – it’s a whole different ball game and that’s not your interest.

What about the people who have planned this system – did you know that the last step in the strategic planning stage is monitoring. We must not put things in place and leave it we must monitor – if the plan is going well we support; if it’s going badly, we’ll make changes. This is something that I have taught on a daily basis; this is something that I have practiced on a daily basis.

‘ET Johnny and crew’ with all the intellect you possess your argument seemed farfetched. Unlike me, they could not identify the problems and nonetheless, come up with solutions. The only thing they know is to get personal and characterize me while the problem exists still.

What have ‘ET Johnny and crew’ contributed? Nothing!!!! They are not capable of identifying problems and finding solutions. Vincentians, this is one of the reasons our lack of growth; no one wants to search for problems and find collective solutions; instead they behaved like ‘hooligans’ waiting to cut down the other.

‘ET Johnny and crew’ if you have so much intellect why are you so blind to the facts and truth?

Angus E. T. Johnny:

Mr D. Markie Spring - Thanks for your response and before answering you, Please let me say that I do not have a crew.

The premis of your argument is based on the fact that persons are needed in every economy that does the manual repairs etc in life, everyone knows that, however, that does not mean that persons in these trades should curtail their education in their specific field, they should continue their education as they would eventually be the owners of businesses in the following trades like Plumbing, Electrician, Mechanical Engineering, Agriculture etc.

The Government of SVG is fully aware that these trades are required in SVG and they are educating pupils who wish to be in these trades.

One of the videos from the IADC on Youtube covers this very issue, it shows students who wish to pursue a trade as opposed to those that are in the academic arena, you could do well to view this video of Trumaca Technical institute, it's part of the IADC collection of videos called "Barroulie TecSchool" the important information is about nine minutes into the video, it answers all your questions about education in SVG.

Please also note the following, the people of SVG are directly in competition for jobs with other Caricom nationals, without educational certification they are unlikely to find jobs in other Caricom countries, this applies to the manual skills you propose in your answer above, see link below and let's hope this information enhances your knowledge about the education infrastructure in SVG.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lr7LpY2mEqg&feature=plcp

Simon Anderson:

Mr Johnny, I have long come to the conclusion that it is a complete waste of time providing information to the likes of Markie Spring, Pumpkin Eater and Allan Palmer.

Mr Johnny, do you honestly believe that these guys are not fully aware of the government's initiatives you mentioned?

Their problem is that THEY ARE COMPLETELY DISHONEST TO THE BONE.

They are fully knowledgeable of the government's efforts in these areas, but they stubbornly refuse to "give Jack his jacket."

They fuse to admit that the government is developing the country in these specific areas. Are you telling me that they are not aware of the Technical School in Arnos Vale, and the hi-tech equipment available there?

If they truly are NOT AWARE of this, then they have no right, due to their ignorance, to be criticizing the government.

If you don't know, "SHUT UP!"

I ADMIT IT. I have given-up trying to educate and inform these basket cases.

The Bible puts it this way, "THERE ARE NONE SO BLIND AS THOSE WHO WILL NOT SEE."

Peter:

These are the questions that SIMON ANDERSON refused to answer after untertaking to do so,

WONKER WILLIAMS, sorry meant wanker. What we are all waiting for is the answer to these questions

1/ Ottley Hall, SIMON ANDERSON claims to have all the information about the $200 million for the OTTLEY HALL PROJECT that is only worth $16 million, he knows who embezzled or stole $184 million. Why hasn’t GONSALVES called him to the enquiry?

2/ why did 5 separate women accuse Gonsalves of sex crimes, at least one was a charge of rape. WHY?

3/ Where did the US$1 million in cash come from that was carried to the NCB in an old bag.

4/ Where did the US$s cash come from that leading ULP and family members shared out and some deposited.

5/ Where did the wealth come from that a member of parliament now has in the way of several houses, several cars, several women, several children. The from rags to riches in 11 years.

6/ Why did Gonsalves give a Diplomatic Passport to a man called Morgan, who was not a diplomat, never worked for the government or any government owned organization, the man was caught at London airport using that very same diplomatic passport whilst carrying a kilo of cocaine.

7/ GONSALVES has said on several occasions that he is here to finish the work of MAURICE BISHOP, well according to public records in Grenada and Maryland USA, Bishop gave instructions that people should be sent to Cuba and Russia to learn how to keep two sets of books, to cook the books to enable him to commit fraud against the IMF and WORLD BANK. Has Gonsalves specifically excluded this part of Bishops work?

8/ Who in the ULP government had a house built by the Buccament Bay Resort people not far from Harmony Hall.

9/ Why did GONSALVES sign a contract with the Teachers Union, fully well knowing it was unconstitutional and therefore unenforceable. Then told the teachers it was the best contract the ever had, why?

10/ Why did GONSALVES approve the employment of three policemen who had been convicted of serious crimes, convictions upheld at appeal. Why?

11/ Why has Saint Vincent got a bank account in Havana Cuba, where countries like Iran put money in? and who monitors and audits that account?

Simon Anderson:

PUMPKIN EATER, you admitted to not knowing anything about the $200 million swindle committed by your previous government on the OTTLEY HALL PROJECT.

Why does no one believe you?

HOW MUCH of that money did you get?

WHO ALL got money, EATER?

WHY DON'T YOU want to discuss this matter, EATER?

WHEN we get this matter settled, we could move on.

Peter:

SIMON ANDERSON, you are wasting your time trying to reverse the tables. Everyone is aware that you are a pratt.

Here are some revised questions, not for you ANDERSON, because you have been deselected from this process.

Can anyone answer these questions, sorry SIMON ANDERSON but you are now excluded from this procedure for witholding important information.

1/ Ottley Hall, SIMON ANDERSON claims to have all the information about the $200 million for the OTTLEY HALL PROJECT that is only worth $16 million, he knows who embezzled or stole $184 million. Why hasn’t GONSALVES called him to the enquiry?

2/ why did 5 separate women accuse Gonsalves of sex crimes, at least one was a charge of rape. WHY?

3/ Where did the US$1 million in cash come from that was carried to the NCB in an old bag.

4/ Where did the US$s cash come from that leading ULP and family members shared out and some deposited.

5/ Where did the wealth come from that a member of parliament now has in the way of several houses, several cars, several women, several children. The from rags to riches in 11 years.

6/ Why did Gonsalves give a Diplomatic Passport to a man called Morgan, who was not a diplomat, never worked for the government or any government owned organization, the man was caught at London airport using that very same diplomatic passport whilst carrying a kilo of cocaine.

7/ GONSALVES has said on several occasions that he is here to finish the work of MAURICE BISHOP, well according to public records in Grenada and Maryland USA, Bishop gave instructions that people should be sent to Cuba and Russia to learn how to keep two sets of books, to cook the books to enable him to commit fraud against the IMF and WORLD BANK. Has Gonsalves specifically excluded this part of Bishops work?

8/ Who in the ULP government had a house built by the Buccament Bay people not far from Harmony Hall.

9/ Why did GONSALVES sign a contract with the Teachers Union, fully well knowing it was unconstitutional and therefore unenforceable. Then told the teachers it was the best contract the ever had, why?

10/ Why did GONSALVES approve the employment of three policemen who had been convicted of serious crimes, convictions upheld at appeal. Why?

11/ Why has Saint Vincent got a bank account in Havana Cuba, where countries like Iran put money in? and who monitors and audits that account?

11/ How much each were the TEREX trucks at the Argyle airport, and who is responsible for that deal?

12/ Is it true that VINLEC has been supplying diesel fuel to the airport without payment to date. Has such action caused expensive electricity prices to be excessively expensive to the SVG consumers? are the VINLEC consumers paying for the fuel used at the airport?

13/ What was the procedure and reason that David Ames of Harlequin got SVG citizenship, and how did he qualify?

14/ Can anyone explain how the 30% pay awards promised by GONSALVES prior to the 2001 election, is now with inflation a minus 30% pay award?

15/ Why did the police shoot a homeless man in the legs? was he carrying a gun? did he have a cutlass? did he say something nasty? After having a high powered top brass meeting, they have now decided to charge the victim. Is that because they may have to reinstate even more criminal policemen if they are convicted in this serious matter? [the best form of defense is attack, what say you GONSALVES]

Simon Anderson:

PETER, PETER, PUMPKIN EATER, why don't you stop lying?

Is it going to take a law-suit to shut you up?

Look at all of your NDP ass-ociates who are being successfully prosecuted for lying. "ENOUGH ALREADY!"

You guys continue to lie...like it is going out of style.

Peter:

SIMON ANDERSON, just point to one thing that I have ever said that is untrue. Bring evidence to the contrary to anything what I state as fact. Show us the evidence, big mouth.

Fortunately I have no NDP associates, like I have no ULP associates. I do not approve of either party.

Having said that if I had to choose between Gonsalves and a worthless dirty dog, I would choose the latter. One thing I cannot bare are liars. Gonsalves has lied in Parliament, try and disprove that, every word he says is recorded in Hansard.

He has lied to the teachers, in his own words he said that he knew when he signed the teachers agreement it was unconstitutional and therefore unenforceable, but at the time he signed it he praised and said it was the best agreement ever. He has even told us he tells lies, can such a person be fit to be an officer of the Court, far less a prime minister. You will note I have never called him Honourable, because a liar can have no honour.

He has denied that the words “when the airport is finished there will nothing outstanding for the taxpayers to pay” at the time Francis told us that, he Gonsalves had told him that. Yet last week a tape recording was played of Francis saying such in Parliament whilst Gonsalves was present.

You attack every decent person who comes on here, people who are honest and don’t need to hide who they are, such as D. Markie Spring and others. You really are a piece of crap.

Do really think that anything you post is seen as credible, even though you try and cloak it in some eloquence, its still crap and lies. You accuse everyone else of lying, and the only one lying is you. Well my turd denting friend, bring on the law suit you jerk.

Simon Anderson:

PUMPKIN EATER, if you have no NDP connections, then why are you disputing the USA's declaration that Dr The Honourable Ralph E Gonsalves is the brightest star in the Caribbean?

PUMPKIN EATER, if Ralph Gonsalves is not the Prime Minister of SVG, then name one person who is better suited for this position?

Pumpkin Eater, if you do not support the ULP or the NDP, then what are you? A ship with no rudder -- with no direction?

Peter, I always knew that you were stupid, but you have now proven that you are even more stupid than I first thought.

Peter:
COOeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! SIMON ANDERSON, wake up here is something that you need to erect the protective barrier for.

Sunday 13th November: Gonsalves said that “there were six signatories to the teachers agreement and they were all aware that the clause 16 in question is not enforceable”.

Is this a not an admission to conspiracy against the teachers?

Article 16 of the Collective Agreement between Government and the SVGTU:  “A member of the union of at least three (3) years standing, shall on application, be granted leave-of-absence to contest National/General/Local elections. The leave of absence shall be no pay leave for a period not exceeding six(6) months. In the event that the member is unsuccessful, that member shall return to his/her original post or one of the equivalent status, all benefits intact. The resumption of duty must be at the beginning of a school term”.

The President noted that the Government signatories to the Collective Agreement were Burgin in his capacity of Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, and the then Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Laura Browne.   Gonsalves signed as a witness. [ as a lawyer he would never sign anything without scrutinizing it, so he fully well knew what is contained]

Gonsalves said "I know there are 1700 teachers and I got "THIRTY SOMETHING THOUSAND VOTES."

"The TEACHERS cannot TAKE ME out of POWER, because they do not have the NUMBERS to do it".

Simon Anderson:

PETER, WHY ARE YOU CHANGING THE SUBJECT?

The question under discussion is the Ottley Hall Project.

Peter, why did you steal the Ottley Hall money?

How much did you steal, Peter?

In the end, how much Ottley Hall money did you actually receive, Peter?

Simon Anderson:

PETER, WHY ARE YOU CHANGING THE SUBJECT?

Peter, the topic under discussion is the Ottley Hal Project. Why are you running away from it?

PETER, why did you steal the Ottley Hall project money?

Peter:

COOeeeeeeeeeee! SIMON ANDERSON, you must be doubly pissed off to address me twice in a row.

ANDERSON, your uncle Hans wrote “Every man's life is a fairy tale written by God's fingers“. Of course he hadn’t reckoned with you when he wrote that.

He also wrote “Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower“, again he hadn’t reckoned with you becoming MARXIST and wanting to limit freedom.

Away from the niceties, I think the readers of your disgusting renderings should know the following.

Mass killings occurred under Communist regimes during the twentieth century with an estimated death toll numbering between 85 and 100 million. Scholarship focuses on the causes of mass killings in single societies, though some claims of common causes for mass killings have been made. Some higher estimates of mass killings include not only mass murders or executions that took place during the elimination of political opponents,
vivil wars, terror campaigns, and land reforms, but also lives lost due to war, famine, disease, and exhaustion in labor camps. There are scholars who believe that government policies and mistakes in management contributed to these calamities, and, based on that conclusion combine all these deaths under the categories "mass killings", democide, politicide, "classicide", or loosely defined genocide.

Simon Anderson:

PETER, WHY DID YOU STEAL THE OTTLEY HALL PROJECT MONEY?

We will understand if you just explain it to us.

How much of the money did you get, Peter?

Peter:

COOeeeeeeeee! SIMON ANDERSON, We are still waiting, you have already told the World that you know who stole or embezzled $184 million from the Ottley Hall project, you were supposed to give your evidence to the police. We are still waiting.

We are also still waiting for the police to arrest Sir James Mitchell on your evidence of wrong doing. We are still waiting.
We are still waiting.

We are still waiting for your boss GONSLAVES to shut down NICE RADIO, tell your boss to get his arse into gear, he is embarrassing CUBA and VENEZUELA, and failing to continue the work of MAURICE BISHOP.

Simon Anderson:

PETER, WHAT HAPPEN TO THE OTTLEY HALL MONEY?

Why did the POLICE pick you up for questioning?

What happen to the missing money at PH Veira?