Delivering the feature address at the commissioning of the $77M Wismar Hill Primary School last Thursday, the Minister called on parents to become more involved in the education of their children.

“If your child completes school and does not know how to read and write, then you the parents are the ones to be blamed,” he said.

He added: “You have the choice between being a good parent and a bad parent.”

Dr Jeffrey expressed the view that parents and teachers must have a vision for their school and must be prepared to work together with the Regional Office towards that vision.

“A school is as good as its Head, and you have to remember that education in Region Ten (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) is your responsibility,” he pointed out.

The Minister emphasised the importance of students becoming multi-skilled in the context of a world that is increasingly driven by competition.

The Headmistress of the school, Ms. Mary Cort, while expressing gratitude to the Government for the new building, identified several areas, which need improvement. She also listed certain pieces of equipment such as photocopying machine and sports and recreational gear.

Ms Cort expressed concern at the erosion taking place in the compound of the school and she cited the drainage system as the probable cause.