By Hon. E. P. Chet Greene
September 6 2026 | Editorial
The summer of 2026 has drawn to a close and with it the long days that saw our children embark on adventures far beyond the classroom walls. From the structured learning and creativity of camps like the one held in our beloved St. Paul which combined educational topics with music, dance and cultural activities, to the simple joys of exploring our beautiful shores and engaging in summer jobs, it was a season of growth and discovery. I take this opportunity to express gratitude to the organizers, the counsellors, the parents and every single person who contributed to making these experiences enriching and safe.
Now, as our nation’s children pack their bags and return to their desks, we must cast a positive and determined eye toward the new academic year. This is not just a time for lessons and exams; it is a time for a renewed commitment from every corner of our society. We look to our teachers with immense respect and ask for a redoubling of their efforts. We implore them to embrace this year without fear or favor, shaping minds and nurturing the potential within each student.
A school however, cannot be a sanctuary for learning if it is not a sanctuary for safety. We must face the stark realities head on: the rise in youth violence, mental health challenges and the scourge of guns and drugs which admittedly is now a national emergency. These are the “social inhibitors” that threaten our children’s future. We must NOW act together.
We must now demand that every school compound in Antigua and Barbuda be a “clean corner”, an unassailable fortress of learning and protection. Legal arrangements must guarantee a protective shield for both teachers and children, with firm penalties and punishment for those who dare to violate this sacred space. Our schools must be zones where education thrives and fear is a foreigner.
This responsibility, however, begins at home. I implore all parents and guardians to demonstrate full responsibility for their children through enhanced diligence. Know their friends, monitor their academic performance and be attuned to their social needs and mental well-being. The home is the first school and its lessons are the most enduring.
This is also a time for our community structures to offer stronger support. I beseech the wider community to rally around our schools with programs designed to improve the social environment. To our religious leaders, as the new school year opens, our faith-based organizations must offer robust support to the Ministry of Education. The time is right for us to reconstruct and project the tripartite approach of Home, School and Church, building a strong, inclusive and positive Antigua and Barbuda.
The journey ahead is one we must walk together. Let us commit to making this academic year a testament to our collective will to raise a generation that is educated, safe and proud.
