Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Phillip Jackson, announced on Tuesday the removal of registration-related fees for Form 1 students entering public and government-assisted private secondary schools in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
He said the move was part of the government’s broader push to ease the cost of education for Vincentian families.
In a recorded statement addressed to parents, guardians, and the people of SVG, released on NBC Radio, Jackson said the decision followed “much research and deliberation” within the Ministry of Education.
Jackson, who also has ministerial responsibility for innovation, digital transformation, and information, said it is intended to align with both the Education Act and the stated policy of the New Democratic Party (NDP) government on access to education.
“This new policy reflects the ambitions of the Education Act, the more general policy enunciated by Prime Minister [Godwin] Friday on the course of access to education in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the NDP’s commitment to ease the cost of living for Vincentian families.”
Main change: removal of registration-type fees
Under the new policy, fees designated as registration, processing and admission fees, among others, are to be removed from the registration process for Form 1 students at the applicable schools.
Jackson said that while the broad policy has been set at the ministry level, specific details will be issued by each secondary school in revised registration packages.
“However, the main changes include the removal of fees designated as registration, processing, and admission fees, among others,” he said.
Parents and guardians are asked to await direct communication from the secondary school their child will attend before taking further steps.
Refunds for families who have already paid
The minister acknowledged that some schools had already begun their registration processes and that some families had already paid the previously advertised fees.
He said those families will receive refunds, and that schools will set out how and when this will take place:
Jackson appealed to parents and guardians for patience as schools adjust to the new policy.
“We ask you to exercise patience as the new policy comes into effect after some schools have started registration of new students.”
Minister accepts responsibility for timing
Jackson said he takes full responsibility for the timing of the policy shift and any disruption it may cause, but stressed that the decision was taken in what he described as the best interests of students and families.
“Please be assured that we are acting in the best interests of our students and their families as our administration and the ministry implements its commitment to ensuring that every child has equitable access to quality and affordable education,” the minister said.