Scrapping Registration, Tuition fees will hurt rural secondary schools most – Principal
THE PRINCIPAL of the Barrouallie Secondary School, Michael Scott, strongly believes that a forensic study should have been conducted in secondary schools across St Vincent and the Grenadines before the decision was made to scrap all registration/ tuition fees. Scott contended that a study was necessary to look at individual school records and understand the different enrolment packages being offered nationwide.
This data would have allowed authorities to see exactly where fee money was going, and address the specific schools charging for unnecessary supplies before making a final decision.
The new policy regarding registration/tuition fees was decided on by the government on July 15, 2026, and announced on NBC Radio SVG the same day by Minister of Education, Phillip Jackson who said he took “full responsibility for this new policy…” that applies to students entering secondary school in September, 2026.
“What I don’t agree with is the way it was done,” Scott told SEARCHLIGHT. “What I think should have been done, there should have been some forensic study… where principals should have been asked to bring in their documents [to see] where the fee is going… and then now you have a discussion.”
After such a discussion, Scott said a conclusion to lower or cancel the fees could have been made,
allowing the Cabinet to decide on alternative ways for schools to generate money to support their students.
“We were told to submit our enrolment package for review.We were waiting for them to know what to do. Then the Chief [Education Officer] sent a memo saying “proceed with your registration, proceed with your enrolment.”
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