Osborne wants Walwyn held accountable

While claiming that teaching has become too politicized in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), former educator Devon Osborne has called for teachers to hold Minister of Education Myron Walwyn accountable for ‘turning a blind eye’ to issues affecting them.

“While this current minister seek to earn political points through a meal, dance, and fashion show, he fails to realize – or just blatantly turn a blind eye to the true meaning of teaching, which in the eyes of many is perceived to be a 9-5 with lots of vacation. It is an act or profession of working at a school, showing children new ideas and principles, and it is surely a job that is never completed,” Osborne said in a post on social media.

He made the comment after Walwyn claimed that there is a shortage of qualified teachers because students are no longer desirous of pursuing a career in teaching.

Osborne, in response to a BVI News Online report regarding the minister’s concern, indicated that the profession would be more attractive if Government increases salaries and provides adequate resources.

“As a former teacher who had given 17plus years of service, I must say that teaching has become too politicized in the BVI, and now more than ever where a social party with special interest and fashion show seems to be the ‘Top Reward’ to the many underpaid and dedicated teachers of our territory. I am one of many who resigned and took up another profession…”

Osborne continued: “It is about time we as educators hold the Minister and his Ministry responsible not only to provide the necessary tools needed to execute the daily plan, but to also hold him accountable to properly compensate teachers for their level of work, and stop the mismanagement of funds allocated to the Ministry for self-interest and self-aggrandizement. A meal is not the right deal!” added Osborne.