It is my understanding that the Education Bill had been tabled in the Legislative Assembly in 2009, and three years later, in 2012, it has not yet been passed because of a few sticking points. These sticking points, when seen within the context of the entire Bill and its overall advantages, are considered minor by many persons. Most interested persons in Anguilla feel that the passage of the Bill, which holds great promise of contributing significantly to the process of education in Anguilla, should not be delayed any further. There are others who feel that the delay is really a matter of petty politicking rather than an issue of the substance of the Bill.
Whatever may be the reason, I use this medium to appeal to you all as responsible, reasonable and progressive persons to pass the Bill, and delay it no more. Whether you believe it or not, your credibility is at stake, the image of Anguilla is being tarnished, and our development as a state is impeded by this delay. This looks like a case of “while the grass is growing, the horse is starving”. It does not have to be so.
I understand that the major sticking point is whether to abolish corporal punishment as a form of discipline in schools or not. Some persons see every instance of corporal punishment as physical abuse and so they strongly oppose it. This is an unfortunate and simplistic view in any context, but more so in ours. I do not know of any case in the past where any student was severely damaged or died because he/she was disciplined by means of corporal punishment. On the other hand, I know of many persons for whom discipline by means of corporal punishment, or the possibility of it, provided motivation for learning and reform, and served as a deterrent to bad behaviour and violence.
Now, I do not wish to be too simplistic in a matter which can be quite complex. However, I wish to indicate:
I. We must distinguish between the administration of corporal punishment as a form of discipline and as physical abuse. Failure to do so can have unpleasant results like throwing out the baby with the bath water.
II. Within the school context (home as well) various forms of discipline must be employed. One size cannot fit all. Among the forms of discipline, corporal punishment has its place. Children are different and as they develop they often respond differently to the various forms of discipline.
III. Eliminating corporal punishment as a form of discipline in the school may be seen as a progressive step. However, if it is not replaced by another form which is equally or more effective, we have not made progress, and the consequences could be more dire than if it were to be used. I would urge that the Bill which removes corporal punishment as a form of school discipline must also indicate what replaces it, and what replaces it must be more effective.
It is not my intention to be lengthy in this appeal, and so I will say nothing more on this point, or on the other matters of dispute, which are not really crucial. I humbly ask that you pass the Bill with its minor limitations, which can be removed later with the benefit of clearer thinking.
In more recent times, it seems as if the “act of compromise” it a dying art. On one hand, some folk interpret it as a sign of weakness. On the other, it is the result of polarization which, if not managed by the art of compromise, results in gridlock and stagnation. In our context we must guard against allowing “differences of opinion” to solidify into polarization.
When differences of opinion solidify into polarization, the context becomes negative and deafening, and these become hindrances to the practice of the act of compromise. The result is distortion of the truth, destruction of credibility, and death of people and national progress. (Are we seeing signs of these in Anguilla? Let us wise up.)
On the other hand, “differences of opinion” do indicate that the context is alive and dynamic, and when they are skillfully managed, by the wise application of the art of compromise, the inevitable result is advancement and progress. We all want Anguilla to advance and progress. The insight of the late John Kennedy should be allowed to inspire and motive us: “Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education”. Please, no more delay.
Thanks and God Bless!
