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A Parent’s Plea for Help – Distress and Disorder at the Antigua Girls’ High School
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Dear Editor,
This letter is not written out of malice or defiance, but out of deep frustration and concern — and above all, a plea for help.
Let me first be clear: the rules at Antigua Girls’ High School are not the problem.
Many of them have existed for years, and most parents—including myself—understand and support the need for structure and discipline.
The issue lies in the stringent enforcement, the lack of compassion, and the harassment and disrespect being meted out to both parents and students under the current administration.
Since the arrival of the new principal in September, the environment at the school has changed drastically. Rules that had previously been enforced with reason and leniency are now being handled with rigidity and hostility.
The tone and approach have shifted from discipline to domination.
The list of enforced restrictions includes:
No powder, lip gloss, or fashion glasses
No beads, bows, or puffs in the hair
No shiny shoes, shoes with bows, or sneakers — only Hoppers brand shoes are allowed
No one disputes the importance of neatness or uniformity. But the way these rules are being imposed—without empathy or consideration for individual circumstances—has created unnecessary hardship.
In my case, my daughter cannot even fit Hoppers shoes due to the shape of her feet
. I purchased the best possible alternative I could afford, and only through the kindness of a friend who helped me buy them. Yet, my daughter was sent home repeatedly because the shoes were “not the right brand.”
As a single mother struggling financially, with the child’s father still tied up in an unresolved court matter, I simply do not have the means to buy another pair. I explained this to the school, but it fell on deaf ears.
Teachers are also suffering under the same atmosphere. Some who rarely took leave before are now going on two-week sick leave, citing stress and frustration.
The school’s internet is reportedly being turned off until late in the day, disrupting lessons and leaving both teachers and students unproductive and anxious.
My daughter’s experiences have been particularly distressing.
One teacher asked her to lift an item, and when she explained that she couldn’t because of a spinal injury sustained in a previous bus accident, the teacher punished her by giving her 200 lines to write—not once, but three times.
Even though she no longer takes that teacher’s subject, the punishment was upheld.
For a child already managing pain and physical limitations, this was nothing short of cruel. It also took away from time she needed for her SBA and CXC work.
Another incident left both of us humiliated. During the Independence celebrations, my daughter—who had been invited to participate—was publicly questioned by the principal in front of others, asking, “Who told you to take part?” The embarrassment and confusion were heartbreaking, especially since I had initially discouraged her from joining.
When I went to the school to address it, I was cut off mid-sentence and told to “book an appointment” to come back. As a parent trying to resolve matters respectfully, I was treated with complete disregard.
Beyond these personal experiences, the financial strain placed on parents is another concern. For the 2026 graduation, the package costs $1,250.
Students are still being told they must fundraise $20,000, including $7,000 for the church venue. In these difficult times, such demands are unrealistic and insensitive.
To make matters worse, children are being kept in the office all day for uniform infractions—sometimes without access to food or water—missing valuable classes even when SBAs are being submitted.
My daughter came home one day with a headache and said she couldn’t take her medication because she wasn’t allowed to eat until she complied with a uniform demand. This is not discipline; this is endangerment.
When I went to the Ministry of Education last week to share my concerns, I met another parent doing the same.
We both left feeling unheard and helpless.
Many teachers and parents feel the same way, but few speak out because they fear retaliation. Some teachers, I’m told, have resorted to taking sick leave simply to cope with the toxic environment.
I write this letter not just for my child, but for every student and teacher at Antigua Girls’ High School who feels voiceless and overwhelmed. The school has a proud history of excellence, but that legacy is being overshadowed by a culture of fear and disrespect.
To the Ministry of Education, I implore you: please intervene. Visit the school. Speak to the teachers. Speak to the students and parents without administrative presence.
Listen to what is truly happening. Discipline should build character, not break spirits. Our daughters deserve better.
As a mother, I want my child to learn, to grow, and to thrive in an environment that values her mind and her well-being. What is happening now is not education—it is oppression wrapped in the name of order.
Please, help us restore the Antigua Girls’ High School to what it once was: a place of dignity, compassion, and learning.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Parent
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I read this and immediately anger bubbled in me. As what is being said here, based on the culture of Antigua, is probably the truth.
There are those who are not accustomed to power and authority, and will abuse and become tyrannical because they just got power. I do not think those incompetent people in the ministry of education are suited, ever, for the job. The minister, director and principal should go (if a reasonable investigation shows these things to be true). Or just properly train these folks, does any of these principals, directors, zone officers in the ministry of education has advance education degrees? Or degrees in social work or psychology or social sciences?
It is time we put away ignorant rules, stop being ideological, and deal with pragmatic research and understanding. Students can wear lip gloss if they want, they can wear chapstick, anyone should be able to wear a shorts to the police stations and headquarters and a T-stray dress to police headquarters in the burning global warming that the ABLP political party is demanding money from international entities. If this is true about global warming (and I believe), why on earth are you still allowing folks at the helm of government agencies to have ignorant and uninformed rules barring the public from wearing the clothes they have to handle business with the government?
These are the signs that you have picked incompetent as leaders, these so minor they should have been solved already and your problem would be the major ones. But still today major problems exist and the minor ones highlighted in this parent’s article still exist. Can you people see you do not have the best for you in ABLP or UPP. You need people who genuinely love you, competent and will put you first. Find those people and encourage them to run by defending them. They will give their life for you, literally.
No powder, lip gloss, or fashion glasses
No beads, bows, or puffs in the hair
WONDERFUL RULES!!! Dem young people too outta ardah. Also this nonsense about youngmen being able to have PLAIT HAIR and UNKEMPT HAIR needs to be changed!! I see the Grammar School boys and PMS boys and can’t believe how much the standard has lowered in our schools these days. Youngmen looking like hoodlums and gangsters going to school with cornrows. Is this the same appearance they hope to take into the workplace???
I don’t think anyone is against rules, especially when they’re meant to instill discipline and pride. The concern isn’t with what the rules are, but how they’re being enforced and the lack of understanding shown to both students and parents.
Discipline without empathy becomes punishment. And when it reaches a point where students are being denied food, water, or class time over uniform issues—or when families who are genuinely struggling are treated with disrespect—that’s no longer about “order,” that’s about control.
Our children deserve structure and compassion. Schools should be places that teach not just obedience, but balance, respect, and emotional intelligence. Enforcing discipline should never come at the cost of a child’s dignity or well-being.
Well I was waiting patiently to see how long it would take for someone to write about this particular principal. I remembered when I heard about this particular appointment, I said out loud, AGHS done; another square peg in a round hole. I am a proud old girl, and over the years I have seen enough to appreciate Mrs. Violet Lewis, aka to some as the little giant, Hitler, and ayatollah. She was not only a mother figure to all, she knew everyone’s name, etc., small in stature but commanded respect without effort; that’s a leader. Rules are there to be adhered to, but there are times when flexibility, compassion, and discretion are required. Maybe teachers, students and parents need to not only write, but stage a walk out
I can understand about the shoes, but the parent isn’t making sense about the other rules. She should not have mentioned those at all. Rules are rules!!!!!! These young mothers have over-emphasized the physical so much that every rules that’s designed for order they kick against. If you let these young ladies have their way, all day they’re putting on their lipgloss and the powder up to their eye balls is so unsightly!!!!
The rules have allowed the girls graduating from this institution to perform well and graduate from an institution they can be proud of.
There are some people, their sole purpose is to remove a landmark that makes sense because it’s something they don’t like. Stop it!!!!!! Standards are what are in place to maintain order…society should be ordered and no person should be allowed to do what is right for themselves.
Lady, I may understand about the shoes but I’ve ALWAYS learned that there are always TWO SIDES to a story! Let us hear the side of the Principal and Ministry. When we have ALL TBE FACTS we can make a judgment. Why would students need to wear “fashion glasses” ? Chupz
We have a generation of people who do not like rules, do not think the rules apply to them and are teaching their child the same thing. That’s why there are so mainly of them in trouble with the law.
Schools are a form of suppression that’s why we can barely get creatives in Antigua.
They beat it out of you in school.
Why do we believe that a young lady learning to beautify herself is wrong? How can lipgloss harm you?
And to “Facts”, yes, the boys are plaiting their hair and passing with more subjects than ever before. Move ya rasshole!
Dear Facts,
What you are doing is missing the point. People’s children are being oppressed and that’s not acceptable. If braided hair for boys is not acceptable for you then cut your son’s hair. It’s 2025 where inclusion and cultural acceptance are now a thing. Braided hair doing work? Powder and branded shoes writing cxc? Be realistic and don’t stray from the point. The children are being victimized for things outside their control. What if it was your child? Would you be here pleading your cause?
Rules are not oppression. They are for the students’ own good. Same entitled, spoiled, rotten, mindset they will take into the workplace.
The speed limit in most places is 40. It is there to protect each driver. If you as a driver decide to break that rule, then you endanger your life as well as the lives of other drivers and pedestrians!
We don’t want this new principal! She’s an and claims that she has zero percent tolerance for bullies. We prefer Ms Croft anyday they need to send her back from whence she came with immediate effect. Not one single parent like that woman. WE DON’T WANT HER!
We need to come together and protest both at the school and at the ministry of education’s office for a change or a solution.
SHE NAR MOVE!!!!! RIGHT DAY SHE A TAP!!!! Some good old fashioned DISCIPLINE is what is needed with these out-of-control, hormonal, force ripe, hot headed, teenage students.
I hear a principal trying to regain sense and decency within and environment where learning should be the focus and not style and fashion. If you spent any time in our public school classroom , you’ll quickly realize how far society has fallen as it relates to morals , values , ethics and manners. And the people speaking up against it are the people who benefited from a society that had rules and values that kept them safe and allowed them to be children, but they didn’t feel like they had fun or liked it, so now they want to spoil things for everyone. We have to be honest with ourselves our cultural identity was based on Christian values , modesty and common sense. We’ve traded the term for fete , party lifestyle and everyone doing what feels good to them. The problem with that is the drug dealers are doing what feels good to them , the gunmen are doing what feel good to them , the thieves also are doing what feel good to them. Society can not function effectively less we there are standards and rules.
“FACTS”
U NEED TO SHUT UP
AND CHECK UR SELF
HAVE SOME REMORSE PLEASE
DO U EVEN HAVE KIDS???
JUST LIF UP FROM UNDER YASSO‼️‼️
$7,000.00 payment to the church for graduation? ma mooma,🤦🏾 that’s not a church that’s a building.
Just yesterday I had this conversation with someone. May schools now are being run like prisons by persons who like the fact that they are now in power and can do as they please. They will never understand that the frustrations can and will hamper the learning ability of many students. I can’t see what the problem is if someone wears an all black Nike or a all black chiney shoes to school. These children need not to be worrying about what punishments will be dealt out if they don’t do this and that first thing every morning. HOW DE HELL DEM GO LEARN PROPERLY IF EVERYTHING ELSE IS CLOUDING THEIR MINDS?
This is exactly the kind of letter that should make officials move quickly. These girls deserve a safe and supportive environment to learn in
Thank you for writing this. I’m a teacher at another school, and I can confirm morale across the education system is dropping because of how leadership is handling things.
The graduation cost alone is ridiculous! $1,250 plus fundraising? That’s not realistic for most families right now.
I am so glad someone finally spoke out. My daughter also goes to AGHS and the atmosphere has changed completely. Children are afraid to even express themselves.
Ever so often these issues raises their ugly heads in our educational system and if they are not properly addressed they would continue to do so.
Let me state here clearly that school rules are designed to create a productive learning environment and to teach students important life skills such as discipline and respect. They help to prevent chaos and distractions at school and allow both students & teachers to focus on the bigger picture – EDUCATION. Sometimes though and we have seen it in some institutions, the rules have no logical or educational basis, and they only create an atmosphere of fear and anxiety rather than fostering a positive learning environment. Sensible rules I am all for but we do not have to be ridiculous and extreme as this can lead to students becoming fearful and this has the potential to negatively affect their mental health. There need to be some balance and equity going forward in this “rules” equilibrium.
All parents of the school I would advice you to picket the school when in session with slogans and whatever action you have to comply with plus I believe strongly from there the ministry of education and even the minister of education would take it into consideration and call a meeting with all parents and most of all if this happens I definitely believe that they should let the students talk in this meeting and pointing out there views and teachers who are willing should have courage to speak out loudly…
The only question that i asked when I heard there would be a new principal was, “is she an old girl?” If she is not then I can understand the obvious lack of pride that she is missing. AGHS is not a warrish school just like what she may be accustomed to, so maybe she needs to spend some time with the former principal to better understand the school culture and see the importance of communication in a situation like this. There were no meetings held with parents to alert of the changes not unless I missed the discussion. I am an old girl and my daughter is currently attending and frankly I was proud to have her attend my Alma mater and now I am sure. Everyday I have to hear her complain and lament about this new leader. I am urging the ministry of education to look into who they place where, this change is not cutting it. Wasn’t the last deputy qualified enough to be at the helm?
“facts”
You sound very ignorant and close minded.
people like you are the reason that Antigua is the way it is, and cannot move forward.
Persons like you are the reason why Antigua is stuck in oppression because you mindlessly accept what ever ridiculous rules are thrown your way by people whos intent is to make u feel less than . More people need to speak up for the youth because weather u like it or not these “out of control ,force ripe ,hotheaded students” are your future they will be the future leaders and if they are not raised with compassion and sensible rules they will grow to enforce those same rules one day which does not open the door for growth and change.
Some of these principals rules are completely ridiculous and uncalled for and even the ones that do “make sense” need to explained to the students as to why they were put in place because rules without reason or explanation is not discipline it is punishment .
We need MORE PRINCIPALS LIKE HER. Students are there to LEARN, not be fashion models for tiktok.
Stand firm madame. History will absolve you. They can find another school if they do not like the rules.
Tell them try Ottos Comprehensive next
As a parent, I am very concerned that such major rules were implemented without any prior discussion or meeting with us. Parents deserve to be part of the conversation when decisions affect our children’s daily lives. What’s even more troubling is that students were reportedly told not to inform their parents about these changes, which completely undermines the values of transparency and trust that schools should uphold. Open communication between the administration, parents, and students is essential if we truly want what’s best for our children.
My daughter also attends the school, and while I understand the need to maintain discipline and standards, it’s important to remember that physical appearance has never been a barrier to academic excellence.
Regarding specific rules:
Powder: Not all classrooms have air conditioning or proper ventilation, and the heat can be uncomfortable. Powder helps absorb sweat, keeps the skin cool, and maintains a neat appearance.
Lip gloss: Helps keep lips hydrated and protected.
We can debate the pros and cons of each rule, but AGHS students have excelled without these new dictates and stipulations. It would have been far more respectful and effective if parents had been informed and given a forum to discuss these changes. This would have allowed us to make informed decisions on behalf of our children, whether to remain under the new administration or consider transferring, rather than imposing an autocratic system.
If the end goal is compliance, force isn’t the most effective way to achieve it.. leadership without balanced direction never lasts🤷🏾♂️
@Troubled mother
At the rate you’re going, You go hold your belly and bawl then.say “me try me best wid she” later on in life.
You best believe that physical appearance is a part of teaching children to be responsible and accountable.
And then we scratch our heads and wonder why the youths of today have gone rogue. Why so eager to grow up and run race with makeup and big woman hairdo??
@Time will Tell
So asking for a forum of discussion is wrong? Asking for transparency is wrong?
Thank God I am blessed with 1 of those who have remained on honor roll every term and has never brought shame or embarrassment to my corner. No holding of bellys here.
I’m happy I can advocate for my child’s rights when its right, say it right, when it’s wrong say it’s wrong and do better!
Schools over do it and it’s not just one I could tell of so much stories but deaf ears if a rule does more bad than good why have it cause all they want is robots comply and complain gets nun done revolt and rebell that’s what got our freedom the us have rules why the Caribbean complaining
As soon as we can’t get our way…we attack the people charged with discipline… if it was only about the shoes, ma’am you should have stuck to that…. Every thing else is to undermine the rules this fine institution has had for more than a hundred yrs….
Social media is all to blame.Our children need firm discipline. These same kids will become major problem when they enter the work force. People need to understand that nothing good in life comes easy.
the ones who are against these rules simply have children who manipulate them to believe everything is perfect, the children cry down the parents for the strict discipline they recieve outside the home they don’t get inside the home. years the children have been turning into citizens we have not as adults would not want for ourselves, the rules might hard but high school done produced enough wicked gyal it’s time they enforce it the way they understand thru cold hard discipline that they don’t get from gentle parenting bullshit that homes fosters
place so hard u complain over rules and little structure when Gaston have adele kids hustling side of road sell juice for $6, like wa the point of this whole article? attention yuh look now? do ur best raise ur child stop crying……the parent for the adele child surely have a better article to write about than this
Not meaning to be caustic, or demeaning or unkind, just truthful. Want a history of this principal? Ask Ottos, Pares, St. Mary, Jennifer go! They were terrified to talk out! The Ministry won’t say anything wo4e! Alternate? Barbuda? They would rather not! The standards of the Honrybee Hive have long been upheld. From Miss Vook down to Mars Croft! Even though Mrs Samuel was not a Honeynee she governed with respect, care and dignity! God rest her soul! I hope that good sense, respect, love and empathy will prevail! The reputation held since 1876 cannot be obliterated under the guise of reform or overhaul! IF IT IS NIT BROKEN, DON’T FIX IT!
Not meaning to be caustic, or demeaning or unkind, just truthful. Want a history of this principal? Ask Ottos, Pares, St. Mary, Jennifer go! They were terrified to talk out! The Ministry won’t say anything worse! Alternate? Barbuda? They would rather not! The standards of the Honrybee Hive have long been upheld. From Miss Cook down to Mrs Croft! Even though Mrs Samuel was not a Honeynee she governed with respect, care and dignity! God rest her soul! I hope that good sense, respect, love and empathy will prevail! The reputation held since 1876 cannot be obliterated under the guise of reform or overhaul! IF IT IS NIT BROKEN, DON’T FIX IT!
My child is a student at the schools n the principal is causing alot of issues… I am for rules but she is doing to much … some ppl cannot afford th purchase shoes and other necessities.. ppl out there are struggling… this principle is studying the wrong things … something needs to be done
16 years finish school when she was at pms no one never like her i drop english B because of her i don’t like her at all she has this thing of she dont have the power in her hands no one can have a joyful life. She needs to go home she did it at pms, Jennings and now high school something is wrong with her. Postion cant be only thing she have to offer. Miss with the bullshit
I feel like alot of the people in Antigua needs to realise that Antigua is a small country and the children of the schools today will be the future. I am a young mom and I have a one year old now. To be very honest, the rules I had in school are smiliar however, to be creative and appropriate are two different things. A little lipgloss is NOT a problem. A little powder is NOT a problem. A cheap shoes is NOT a problem. The economy is so clouded by the “old ways” and not noticing that you’ll just be repeating the same cycle of a slavery mindset and not an original thought will come into your child’s mind. You worked so hard for an education and a job you DO NOT LOVE TO DO OR WANTED. Because your parents told you to work hard and go slave away for someone else. As parents, should we not be encouraging our young ladies to be creative AND appropriate. Should we not teach them how to express themselves respectfully. Children in general in Antigua have ideas but it’s because of the older generation, children are unhappy and taking shortcuts or just downright dropping out. Y’all like to say y’all want better for your kids but NEVER DO BETTER FOR THEM! Listen to them, not only beat them and chupz at them. Actually listen to your children, understand their concerns and correct them APPROPRIATELY! NOT THE WAY YOUR PARENTS DID TO YOU! That’s the problem! Why did you want your kids to suffer the same fate as yourself when you were younger. Do you really think they will take care of you in old age? Like seriously, does anyone here know if their child will DEFINITELY take care of them in old age because they ACTUALLY care about you? How many of you can say that? How many of you can say yeah, I raised my child right according to how my relationship is with them?
I think we are focussing on the wrong things. I’m looking at the costs of the things mentioned. $1,250.00 is the cost of the package for the graduation, ball and keeping your cap and gown. Why I gotta pay that kind of money for a venue I’ve got a problem with. We can lose the liploss and have chapstick for those with dry lips. I thought you buy the appropriate colour and shoes and to school. No specific brand or type. White hoppers for the white uniform I get, but what’s happening with the black shoe? We already know nothing fancy or glamorous nor heels. We gotta pinpoint the most important things. $7,000.00 for a church venue? Is there a stairwell to heaven?
Also, if the child has an existing issue with the injury to her hand and the school is already aware of it, there should not be any problems.
Schools should not be able to mandate a specific brand of shoe. Also, a person should be able to file a note from a parent, doctor etc. in certain cases to receive a reasonable exemption. What does puffs mean? Is that their natural hair or added hair? Any neat natural hairstyle should be accepted. Wrong to legislate against a person’s natural self or force complicated hairstyles. There should be PTA meetings to discuss graduation costs with parents before decisions are finalized. This is not difficult. Mutual respect. Do better.
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