Staff members and students at the Antigua State College have presented Prime Minister Gaston Browne with a plethora of issues affecting their learning and productivity.
Browne visited the institution on Tuesday and while he attempted to address concerns in real time, the volume appeared to be overwhelming.
One demand made by a member of staff was for “at least 20 computers” to equip a computer lab in the Engineering Department. The teacher said that same department is in need of washroom facilities and urgent repairs.
In response and while still at the podium, Browne immediately called a local computer supplier to order 25 computers.
“We will deliver those by tomorrow and then we will import the balance,” Browne who is also finance minister said.
The prime minister also gave instructions for the construction of the washroom “immediately” telling the person who raised the concern “consider that done.”
He warned those gathered that he had to be responsible because he did not want to bankrupt the Treasury.
“No more requests please, at least those without financial implications,” the country’s leader joked.
A student of the Aircraft Maintenance department complained about the EC$ 20,000 a year school fee in the absence of books and equipment for that department.
Before the prime minister could respond Principal of the ASC Hyram Forde jumped in to address the concerns which also included no wifi and a leaking building.
Forde said the building in question was “recent” but said improvements are being made to the internet and electricity issues
“Its a work in progress,” he insisted. Forde said the aircraft programme is already being subsidised.
“We have not harassed anybody about paying tuition,” the Principal said adding, “you people present a situation like we have absolutely no tools.”
Reon King a student debater said his colleagues had difficulty getting the necessary resources to broaden their skills.
But the prime minister told him he has been “asking the wrong person” and should direct his request to Maurice Merchant who heads the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Committee.
Lecturers were also promised additional increases as well as back pay but the prime minister said that was subject to negotiations.
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The problem solver. I wonder why he has people working. it seems that they cannot get nothing done without his input.
How come just days before the election date announcement so many verbal solutions can be made to Lord ng standing problems?
So you can order 25 computers to be delivered tomorrow but you need to import the rest? I hope state college gets what they need,
Hmmmmmm
LOL..PM Browne…please, apparently from what the individual “From The Sideline” stated seems to be true. You are merely going for a walk on your own! You know this statement of leadership. Well it matters also. LOL
You only have “YES” men around you, and they are only interested in enriching themselves. If you don’t believe me…then…why you had to call our famous local computer sales store for that, and on the spot also. Couldn’t a secretary or an Education Minister deal with their responsibilities. Well you did tell our cronies to enrich themselves. LOL..what monsters have ye created PM Browne??
It is a shame…that a leader of a nation has to confronted by education officials at one of our highest standards and be placed quickly to call suppliers while in the middle of a form of town hall meeting. I know some cronies are going to try “justify” the move but as I stated they are “YES” men. You as head of this nation should never have been confronted in that manner to force you to do that while cameras, lights, action were infront of you. Tell your cronies that, and start sending our Ads for new cronies.
The problem solver? Hah! Things a come up to bum and see where we’re at? Is this what the people voted for? This be no Moses, nor savior of our people.
You mean to tel me all it takes was a simple call to solve the problems at ASC. Wait only now that one call can be made or is this just a show? Lol.
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