CATEGORY:POLITICS ---------------------- Inside Grenada Saturday February 03,2007 EDITOR'S NOTE: This article represents the views, policies and vision of the New National Party (NNP) headed by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell. The NNP has been in office since 1995 - for three consecutive terms. In the last general election, the NNP won 8 of the 15 seats that were contested. THE MATTER OF THE child/student’s right to education while impregnated is not a new problem and most likely will attract a multitude of opinions for generations to come. The solutions are relative to time and place and will be subject to our ever changing social order. The Government of Grenada is committed to find common ground - seeking consensus from all stakeholders that will be a “Win – Win” solution for all involved. A meeting to discuss the issue of how to deal with the “Rights of the Child to Education while impregnated” at the Ministry of Education drew a wide cross section of representatives from various interest groups. There was representation from the Anglican High School PTA, Program of Adolescent Mothers (PAM), Ministry of Education, AHS Board of Governors, GRENSAVE, Catholic Central Board of Management, Grenada Conference of Churches, Grenada National Organization of Women, Anglican Church, Seventh Day Adventist, and Presbyterian Church School Board. Recommendations were made on the basis of discussions held with the stakeholders. These recommendations dated January 25, 2007 were forwarded by Reverend Osbert James, Chairman of the Conference of Churches in Grenada. After review of the document it was found that there were striking similarities with that of Government’s position. However, as we diligently work this through together with further consultation and streamlining, a final draft will be available. It was recommended that PAM should play a more active role in the development of the recommendations. Government’s position is that irrespective of what ever changes do apply, the Law must be respected. The idea is to design a middle-of-the-road resolution. The Ministry of Education; the churches; the schools and associated stakeholders all have their respective roles to play. From our church pulpits, our class rooms, our community centers, government agencies, and the private sector, we ask for prayer and call for our young people to practice abstinence. The ramifications of the actions by our unsuspecting young people are far reaching. Their innocent actions can lead us down the deadly road of further addressing the spread of aids. Most important, we have to be mindful that we do not send the wrong message to our young people as we defend their right for a full education. As it relates to the present situation, it is good to know that the affected student is willing to continue her education and basically has the support of her school mates. When an interim decision was made it was on the basis we extract the best solution in the interest of the Child. We know that the circumstances in our school system today are challenging and that the Education Act #21 of 2002 will not provide a perfect solution to all the problems. It was also stated that stronger penalties should be metered out on persons responsible for their actions against our children. If a man takes the position of committing a crime/act against our children, regardless of his social status, action should be taken against him. Government encourages all concerned to work together in the interest of each child. We have a responsibility to the student still in school. And it is of paramount importance that we do not make the child a victim twice.