Gov’t to launch tablet program Wednesday

PM Skerrit and Kelvar Darroux showing tablets at a DLP rally last year
PM Skerrit and Kelvar Darroux showing tablets at a DLP rally last year

Secondary school students on the island will begin receiving the much talked about tablets promised by the government of Dominica, Minister for Information, Science, Telecommunication and Technology, Kelver Darroux has announced.

He told Dominica News Online on Monday that an official launching ceremony of the ‘one tablet per child program’ will take place at the Pierre Charles Secondary School (PCSS), on Wednesday 30, September 2015.

The initiative, which has been in the news since it was promised by the Dominica Labour Party during the general election campaign last year, is said to be the vision of Prime Minister; Roosevelt Skerrit was to ensure that all of our high schools and college students can be equipped with the tools to facilitate their learning.

Darroux revealed that a shipment of the tablets arrived on island on August 13, and all systems were in place to launch the program for the first week of the new school year, however due to the passage of Tropical Storm Erika and since the reopening of school was delayed, the launching of the program was postponed.

“I am extremely pleased to inform the public that on Wednesday 30th of September from 12:00pm at the Pierre Charles Pierre Secondary School in Grandbay, the one tablet per child program will be officially launched,” Darroux said. “That is to say that well over 5,000 high school students will be receiving their tablets in the days and weeks to follow after that launching at their respective secondary schools.”

He stated that the devices will be handed over to a student of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th forms respectively, “and they will be representing the general quota body of their schools.”

“And from that each and every student who is enrolled at the secondary schools on the island will receive his personal tablet,” Darroux said.

He revealed that PCSS was selected to host the formal launch of the program to uplift the spirit of students in the south eastern section of the island.

“Based on the advise, we decided to do it at the Pierre Charles Secondary School because in light of the devastation that took place in the South Eastern part of the island, more specifically the Petite Savanne area and seeing that the students from Petite Savanne area they attend the Pierre Charles Secondary School, we decided to have the formal launch of that program at the Pierre Charles Secondary School to really uplift the spirit of the children within that area,” Darroux explained.

At Wednesday’s ceremony, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, Minister of Education, Petter Saint Jean, Parliamentary representative of the Grandbay constituency, Justina Charles and also the Parliamentary representative of the Petite Savanne constituency will deliver addresses.

The tablets stemmed from a general election promise last year by the Dominica Labour Party (DLP).

Prime Minister Skerrit, said about 7,500 tables would be made available to students by January of 2015.

In January Darroux said that the “proper mechanism” was being discussed to have the tablets delivered.

In March, St Jean responded to media questions saying the process for delivery was well underway.

The promise of the tablets had been the subject of numerous jokes on social media, while others had dismissed it as just a political gimmick.

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57 Comments

  1. happychick
    October 1, 2015

    So my pm, my child didn’t even taste the tablet na. He graduated from sma in july. after my child leave school all u sharing tablet……I had hopes we….. tablet coming home.

  2. DA
    September 30, 2015

    why they can’t they give college need it more than secondary school a dam tablet wii

  3. Tampa
    September 29, 2015

    My question to the government is how have you prepared the schools – teachers, parents and students, for the use and management of this item? Were teachers given any training in how to integrate the use of this technology into the classroom and lesson? Were parents given an orientation on the technology and its use in the classroom? Are all the teachers sufficiently computer literate to maximize the use of the technology for the benefit of the students? Is there a technical support team for all the schools?

    • ICT Teacher
      September 29, 2015

      Tampa, sometimes you diaspora people behave like we live in the dark ages in Dominica. In the old days the barbarians stood in awe at the majesty of Rome, and maybe that’s what happened to you when you entered America. Now you are behaving like a country bookie barbarian in believing that Dominica is not top in technology and communication. Our ITC teachers are well trained, well prepared and have been teaching ITC for years now. Most Dominican have two or more cell phones, and most homes have a computer whether desk top or lap top. You look and you will see a lot of kids with tablets. Check out Digicel and Lime and you will be amazed at the number of internet connection. Dominican are computer literate and I suggest that you seek out computer classes in Tampa to be like we Dominicans.

  4. Interpreter Found
    September 29, 2015

    Honestly, this money would have been much better spent in equipping the Library with Computers, how is any child supposed to use a Tablet as a High School learning tool?

    Tablets are best used in conjunction with giving a presentation and using a Projector or other such tools, also 9/10 times the actual presentation is created on a computer, as tablets do not have the necessary RAM, as most tablets these days have 2-4GB of ram, compared to the 8-16GB that is easily accessible on a computer.

    Also software wise, most programs must be truncated to be able to work on tablets, losing functionality and will undoubtedly create more distractions for the children.

    TL;DR: Tablets are unsuited for High School Students, and a computer lab at a library(or a few at each school) would have been a much better use of money. These tablets will only be used to play games, and will not enhance the education of children in this country, what 3rd world country gives out tablets to their population

  5. jokeman
    September 29, 2015

    You mean the tablets only came in mid august? I thought they were there all the while.//By the way, do the teachers get also and will they be trained to use them with the children?

  6. unknown
    September 28, 2015

    but they promised the student the tablet in january but this saying they recieved them august.so easy skerrit fool them people

  7. Fred
    September 28, 2015

    Bribery, plain and simple. In its crudest form. And when the country is begging the world for aid. Shame on you.

  8. China Man
    September 28, 2015

    Lol the tablets are ready to be distributed. Now they are mad. They had so much to say about how it will never reach. Now it about to be in their face they have even more to say. Lol. Lol. Lol

  9. mrs.ranks
    September 28, 2015

    so when the 5th forms leave the school they ave t give up the tablets :?: :?:

    • Independent Observer
      September 29, 2015

      If it is a personal tablet as was stated in the news piece then the student should leave with his/her tablet.

  10. Titiwi
    September 28, 2015

    CORRECTION! These tablets were not promised by the Govt. as reported but by the labour party during their election campaign last Dec. There is a big difference and if you don’t know that, or don’t want to know that may God help you.

  11. Dominican to the bone
    September 28, 2015

    So what happened to the college students. They just wanted those 18 and older to vote and now they are forgotten. That’s not fair to them.

  12. KID ON THE BLOCK
    September 28, 2015

    UWP and its supporters have lost their collective minds as they are so deluded that everything is Skerrit or the Government fault, they now spew so much hatred, anger, intolerance that they have no idea their Party is rapidly dying. Now they say Laborites taking Relief Aid and hide for next election. UWP has become the Dominica ISIS.

  13. lila
    September 28, 2015

    what about collage students ? :(

    • me
      September 28, 2015

      If that is how they spell they do not deserve any!

      • Independent Observer
        September 29, 2015

        Lol…Well spotted!!!

      • jim pwell
        September 29, 2015

        lol :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

    • jim pwell
      September 29, 2015

      allu can buy phone buy allu tablet

  14. September 28, 2015

    The opposition party and their supporters represent the worst aspect of us as Dominicans, pettyness,jealousy,creed,hate,envy, crab in a barrell syndrome. To be honest the opposition should really be a fringe party, a party on the periphery, but definetly I repeat definetly not as a main contender to form a government, because they have proved time and time again that they are not capable to form a government. We need a new opposition party, a party with men/women with some credibility, some honesty. I could go on and on, but if anyone had any doubt concerning the ability of the Opposition to hold office,ERICA, confirmed and exposed them, in totally lackiny in any form of leadership quality, or solidarity as one people. Instead we witnessed division,hatred, dishonesty and any other negatives you care to think about.

    • September 28, 2015

      can you prove all the accusations that you are saying about UWP? You seem to be a one eyed giant. U SEEM TO BE A FISH CALLED SAUL

  15. Joan
    September 28, 2015

    The students are receiving the Bribes that their parents were promised if they voted for Skerrit . Here is your proof I.P.O.> Mr Johnson please take note. i KNOW YOU ARE MAN OF PRINCIPALS. dO NOT LET ME DOWN.

    • September 28, 2015

      You can put this proverb in place . The mother / father has eaten sour grapes so the parents teeth are set on edge

  16. UsualSuspects
    September 28, 2015

    Tablet sans Wifi for 600 +is useless.
    Hope the government have a network plan to assist the students.

    • ME
      September 29, 2015

      Check Wikibuli they have WiFi everywhere lol

  17. September 28, 2015

    Tablets have a life span so does the DLP; Let the FOOL be FOOLISH still; my only concern is how were they paid for and by whom. Would not be pleased if it were from “D man dat like Dominica.” Then if it’s Tax payers money i’d be proud to have the Government donated it to the students on my behalf.

  18. AA
    September 28, 2015

    Whose money paying for the tablet? Are they using the states money from the treasury of Dominica or was that purchased from the $30 Million campaign war chest. My hard earned tax money should not be used for campaigning which is what that is.

  19. Thorbjørn Jagland
    September 28, 2015

    Eh After Erika u giving tablets, sounds like u using relief aid and passing it as tablets. :lol:

    • Peter Potter
      September 29, 2015

      My thinking exactly!

  20. gwaj
    September 28, 2015

    I am happy for this news!!

  21. September 28, 2015

    As an educational technologist, my first question is what training teachers, curriculum designers, and administrators have received to help them make the most of this tablet distribution. If you really want students to get a benefit from technology, you don’t just dump it on them, you use it as part of a comprehensive plan with specific goals.

    Just a few examples: Will the tablets replace textbooks? Are there useful scientific simulations that come installed on them? Can be used as clickers for classroom interactivity? Will they enable distance learning so that school can continue even if we face another major natural disaster?

    And those are just the tip of the iceberg. There are many possibilities how this sort of thing can enhance education, and it could be a great thing for students — but only if there’s a plan. Otherwise, they’ll just end up being used for Facebook and Candy Crush, and that would be inexcusably wasteful.

    • d-a born
      September 28, 2015

      Very good reasoning. I’m a former educational technologist myself and the school district I worked for here in the States went ahead and tried one of those student iPad programs. It was no walk in the park getting the networking, software configuration and device management system up and running. Those barely got running but there were other administrative issues that came up, that leadership either didn’t foresee or ignored. There already was a massive tablet initiative at a California school district that failed miserably and even resulted in lawsuits (they tried to blame their lack of planning on Apple).

      There definitely needs to be a plan (with all the factors you mentioned) or else it will be a waste of money.

    • September 28, 2015

      One more thing: What brand .There are some brands that are just not good.They just last are few months

      • d-a born
        September 29, 2015

        If they’re like the ones in the photo, I’m guessing some cheap things that’ll crap out in no time.

    • Dominican
      September 29, 2015

      I like that….ONLY IF THERE IS A PLAN! This is what we lack in this country, planning

    • ATKINSON
      September 29, 2015

      Ah steve what you said that would be wishful thinking. That non how the DLP think or does thing. As long it is free it good :mrgreen: I think a few student will use it positively, but the rest, just wait. I see these tablets will be missing, for sale in store or roadside, stolen. They will be looking at facebook, porn,youtube, then their parents will be complaining the child is spending too much time on social media instead of reading a book.

  22. grell
    September 28, 2015

    The labour party cronies,back to the dirty tricks,Erika did not send a strong messgae more will come.Kelvar keep on smiling

  23. originaljahguide
    September 28, 2015

    I hope is not relief money all you take to buy those tablets. Accountability please who is guarding the guards?

  24. Passing cloud
    September 28, 2015

    When will Dominicans decide that they are no longer going to allow themselves be fooled by Skerrit? I mean last week they cancelled the WCMF because according to skerrit, the world should not see us celebrating with a kubuli in each hand partying, while they have to send money to help us (just paraphrased). But folks, is he not concerned that the world will see us playing politics with Erika? That’s what the tablets are all about folks. I live in the uS and have two children attending elementary and Middle School, and the US government didn’t give Tablet to any of them and any of their schools.
    They just trying to divert our attention from that big event that took olace in NY on Friday!!!!.

  25. college student
    September 28, 2015

    ? finally??? they did nt say anything about college students ….are we still getting?

    • jim pwell
      September 29, 2015

      NOOOO!!!!!!!!Buy Allu Tablet!!! :-x :-x :-x :-x

  26. T-Dot (416)
    September 28, 2015

    I wouldn’t have even talked about it. I’d just have these things distributed respectfully to the various schools. Long over due guy!
    :wink:

  27. Me Myself
    September 28, 2015

    How do you please certain people? Some people claimed that the promise of tablets would never materialize since it was just a political ploy. Now that a date has been set for distribution, they want it to be done in secrecy. I guess the tooth fairy will have to be hired to put a tablet under each kid’s pillow. What is wrong with these people?

    • September 28, 2015

      you know he was forced to keep his promised. He thought he would get away with it but pressure made him keep his promise.Thank those you put on the pressure

  28. Mr. Skare-It
    September 28, 2015

    You see that Tablet thingy, it is nothing but an attempt to divert the attention of Dominicans away from the incident that took place in NY on Friday.

    Brother Matt, please do not let Tablet be the subject of “Talk on the block” this PM as this is just a distraction. I know where to get my tablet and paracetamol so no need to waste time with that. Somebody might well have taken their PARACETAMOL or ADVIL already because their boomboom FULL of SCARE-IT

  29. Realist
    September 28, 2015

    I was once a doubter but hm I hope these are to keep with no return.

  30. chucky
    September 28, 2015

    THES GUTS ARE REALLY MAKING A MOCKERY OF DE-MOCK-WE-SEE

  31. MR Dominica
    September 28, 2015

    Why does each and every thing this D L P people do has a cerimony ? could they not have the stuff sent to the schools and handed out to the students instead of this political propagander which seems to have no end? I thought election was over in January . Are they going to be dreesed in red? enough already
    I think when I get to Dominica I must hand out some tablet but without fanfair . O by the way this is not possible because I have the coconut but thr tax on sugar made it unfordable

    • Looking
      September 28, 2015

      You are right other islands had theirs already with the fanfare. Ministers were not even present. Just a simple presentation my Ministry officials

      • Looking
        September 28, 2015

        “without the fanfare” and “by ministry officials”

    • September 28, 2015

      Look more closely. That’s a photo from last year during election season.

    • Hmmmmm
      September 28, 2015

      It was politically stated.I guess thats the reason.Had it been done otherwise people would have said it was secretly distributed.

      You just cant please people #amjustsaying

  32. dayandnightvision
    September 28, 2015

    Mr. Skare – It what have you done for Dominica lately beside BAD MOUTH her?
    Tell us one good thing that you have done since August 27th 2015 and let us applaud you
    Thank you DNO for putting up my comment

    • Mr. Skare-It
      September 28, 2015

      @day and night, Here is one good thing I have done lately: I want to alert my fellow Dominicans with that thingy that took place in NY over the weekend, where a good friend of Dominica was being arrested with $4.5 million in briefcase.
      By the way day and night, can you tell us where the PM was coming from why he had to be helicoptered to Dominica, the day of EriKa? Can you also tell us who he visited? That’s important because a positive answer might help us get some of that $4.5 Million USD

    • JOE
      September 28, 2015

      He gave the opposition parliamentarians power to hire heavy equipments!!!!! If that’s not good enough for you talk to Spags because the BUCK STARTS AND STOPS WITH HIM since he got the POWER FROM PM!!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

  33. Mr. Skare-It
    September 28, 2015

    Boy, these guys are in a talking mood this morning. They told us about Austrie , they told us about Venezuela and now they pumping us with TABLET? Boy I suspect Mr. Pm might really need to take a tablet for his heath today.
    All you trying to shoot early or what?

    • Dominican
      September 29, 2015

      You have no medicine

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