The Editor
The Anguillian newspaper
Suspension of School Bus Service
I am truly amazed at the puerile and irresponsible behaviour that is often displayed by our so called radio personalities. They seem to know everything and are yet so ignorant of the issues they are discussing. What a pity that the suspension of the school buses to the eastern part of the island had to be turned into a party political issue! Their attitude is just as despicable as the behaviour of some of the children who travel on the buses. It is unfortunate that these pundits refrain from seeking clarity before jumping to conclusions that only support the negative behaviour of our children.
The bus service was suspended because of the unruly behaviour of some of the students who travel on the buses, and the culture of silence exhibited by all. While the bus was in motion, an egg was thrown at the driver. On other occasions some children have thrown bottles and stones at each other. The children are usually noisy and disrespectful. There are those who persistently refuse to be quiet and would respond to the driver with the use of indecent language. Additionally, they have destroyed many of the seats in the buses. It is quite evident that the unruly behaviour is placing the lives of those who travel on the buses, as well as other road users, in danger. Parents of children who travel on bus # 3 were informed in writing about the unruly behaviour. Parents of children at Campus A were invited to a meeting at this Campus on Monday 30th January. Only seven parents responded. Children were given the opportunity to provide information to the school; obviously they failed to comply.
Children need to understand that travelling on the school bus is a privilege and not a right. Consequently, they need to have a greater appreciation for the free service they are receiving. It is imperative that they have respect for themselves, peers and those in authority, and assume responsibility for their behaviour. They need to demonstrate respect for the government’s property.
Our pundits need to show a greater sense of responsibility. Why blame the Minister? He is not responsible for operations. Their irresponsible behaviour was again exhibited with the comparison of issues that were totally different. The pundits insistence on feeding the public with incorrect information has the potential to fuel fires of discontent that can only be disastrous for all Anguillians. The school acted, and the action is justified.
– Fairplay
