Parents from Concord and students attending the North East Comprehensive High School, are protesting a decision by the Ministry of Education to remove a bus driver who has been transporting their children to school.
Reports indicate that Stacia Williams, of Marigot, has been government’s contracted driver for students from Concord to the school for several years but was replaced without the parent’s knowledge.
Nineteen parents met at Concord on Thursday night to discuss the matter and decided that unless Williams returns to duty, their children will not ride the bus.
“They went behind our backs and replaced the bus driver with someone we don’t even know,” an infuriated parent told DNO. “He didn’t show up on their first day for school on Wednesday and the second day he was late. We don’t want him. None of our children will ride the bus.”
She said some parents visited the Ministry of Education Thursday and were told that it was a decision was made by the permanent Secretary.
“They did what they did in the dark of night. We never had a problem with our driver. She knows the ropes. We are used to our driver. She sometimes goes out of her way to take our children back and forth. We will not accept it. No Stacia, no children on bus,” the parent said.
Following Thursday night’s meeting, the parents signed a letter informing the relevant authorities of their decision.
The letter is expected to be hand delivered to the permanent secretary, Marcella Powell, today (Friday).
When DNO contacted bus driver Williams for comments on matter she only said, “the move was very unprofessional”.
She refused to comment further.
DNO will continue to follow this story and to seek a response from the permanent secretary.
In this day and age we need to know where our children are and who is in charge. Communication is a priority.
That’s what happens when you give a man a fish instead of teaching him to fish. Let people work to pay their child bus fare so they can chose drivers stupessss. Parents pay Stacia and leave govt free bus alone
Did anyone think to ask why she was removed? Maybe there was a good reason. They should have told you but they don’t need your approval. How is it hurting them if you don’t let your children ride the bus, they doh have to pay for bus driver. How you gonna send your children to school. Stacia the only driver from Marigot?
is not there alone they do that. the problem is how they do it .the bus driver sign contract today tomorrow they call them and tell them they doh need their services any more.they give it to somebody else
a certain supporter of the parl rep from cottage disagree with the parl rep on certain issues. next thing de man get letter to transfer him from marigot to roseau.
Slow news day for dno….
The parents have a right to be informed about the new driver that will be transporting their children to and fro. they should be able to trust that person with their children. If they already feel safe with the previous driver then why was she removed?
The children’s safety should be thought of first and if the parents feel uneasy about the new driver then the employer should give second thoughts to their decision.
Stacia should not have gone to carry people to Castle Bruce last Sunday; she knows she has a government contract – this is a warning PETT-TTER not playing bwoy
This is ridiculous and obvious favoritism. Having a contract with the government has nothing to do with her taking people to Castle Bruce. The government is too closed minded; What does her contract with the government stipulate? You work for me and me only..PREPOSTEROUS!!
Not this place alone they did that to. Morne Prosper buses were transferred too.
this is a political move..I dont care what anyone else thinks..pure political bet is a labourite that get the job..trust me
Stacia did nothing at all, children as well as parents had absolutely NO problems with Stacia. Stacia was always present to do her duty and never ever skipped one day of work,always on time and very much respectful.Stacia did nothing and we want her back ASAP
what happen the parents that buy the bus. well hold all you dame children at all u home or give them money to pay their bus. you all already given a favor and all u rude on it again and want to say who should drive or not. skiwo say the them bus up in penville we will make good use of it.
This is so bias and political.removing a good bus driver and replacing her with someone who is always in an accident. The parents are so right because their kids are not safe with this careless replacement driver.
Is this not abnormal and unfair that everything is blamed on the PM? Do you know if the PM was informed and that he had a say in this matter? Did he personally employ her? Was it his decision to discontinue her employment/contract?
Prior to blaming him, first get your information straight. Some of you comment on what you read without giving it further thought. You do not yet know the whys and wherefores and who made this decision.
Papa One person that mention the PM wii and you jumping to his defense like everybody call his name.
who spoke about PM? can’t you see the difference between PM and PS?? Stupessssss
Justic and Truth who never seem to have the facts or you so like to comment that you never think before posting,the departments mentioned were the Minister of Education and the Permanent Secretary where was the PM mentioned, so before you send your comments thru I would suggest you go over it first.
The Parents are concern about their children and the removal of the driver and the way it was done that’s their worries but you a trying to be little the parents when you yourself dont know why.
No it’s not abnormal . No it’s not unfair.
In this Skerrit Labour Party governing a failed Dominica, he is the government. Go ask the lazy ministers?
I agree. No matter how flat a bakes is, it has two sides. We need to hear from both parties involve.
So, each time a government official decides to change an employee’s place of work (a bus driver, a messenger, an extension officer, a school principal) the official must call a meeting with all the people concerned to seek their permission? Dat not making no sense.
We employ the civil servants to work for us. Let them do their work.
If the parents love Stacia so much, they should hire her to drive their children and let the government use our money in another village.
You make nosense
This is not news material and our people needs to stop this pettiness BS!
Not call a meeting but at least inform them of the change. Courtesy goes a long way.
if all you want stacia pay her from all you pockets.and government should stop bowing to everyone protest.
Mi bowdel….elections nearby….vote Skerrit!
Stacia is from Marigot… well.. Election..
So if they don’t change the bus driver, the parents are gonna keep their children home rather than send them to school?
The government is doing the parents a favor by saving them money.
Typical – everything we get for free we try to spoil it.
would you let your child take a ride with someone you do not know? someone you did not know of their background in terms of drug abuse or the number of previous accidents they have had in the past. would you be satisfied with not knowing?
this person is clearly not a parent
this person is clearly not a parent
Had you known the crazy bus driver that they are going to replace Ms Williams with you would hide your face.This man from the north used to transport college students and the students would pray from they reach in the bus until they get to town.
Isn’t that the same driver that “Radio Neg” said was fired because she was transporting passengers to the recently held delegates conference in Castle Bruce. That is suspicious. I’m just saying…
Well I only know Ms. Powell as a P.S. and I can tell you she would have dotted all her ‘i’s and crossed her ‘t’s before she took that decision.
Second of all, did anybody think to ask Ms. Stacia Williams about the length of her contract??? As far as I know, this bussing school children business is conducted on a yearly contractual basis. So if Ms. Stacia Williams’
contract ended on June 30 and was not renewed, then the P.S. has nothing to answer to.
People need to stop making every administrative decision taken by Government some big crisis.
aye easy on stacia ehhh in allu skin ally doe have bus she doing allu you a favor and is show off allu showing of allu dem damn fresh head dr …… she could take her bus dem and run d roseau line inno and forget bout school children eh if she send out a driver take it and hush sometimes things happen yall need to just talk to the driver simple allu gathering in night like allu about to eat ppl
SO are you telling me that the bus driver who was dismissed has no idea why she was dismissed? And her only comment is that it was “unprofessional”?
having said that, and I do not know Dominica’s employment Laws, in many countires, an employer DOES NOT need to give you notice to fire you- as long as you are compensated. Is that the same in Dominica? Cna she be released and compensated for time in lieu of notice?
There maynto have been a crime committed … it can be considered “unprofessional” if you do not know the law..but that’s how it is in many countries. YOU DO NOT NEED A REASON TO BE LET GO -as long as you are compensated within the law.
And if, the driver things that she has been dismissed for reasons which violates her human rights – sexism etc… there must be some form of recourse through the system (In an IDEAL world)…but hey, this is DOMINICA where persons do not know their rights, fail to research their rights, and just TALK, TALK, TALK!
You see what i was saying about Dominica in no longer Dominica! My people, I used to walk a mile to go to school, a mile back home for lunch, a mile back to school after lunch, and a mile back home at 3pm. Now all you have transport to take the kids back and forth and all you blajaying about which driver should drive? No wonder God cannot please Dominicans.
Stacia is the best bus driver in the area…she was given an award for that… If u want a driver u can rely on she is the best….she teaches the kids respect in and outta of school and goes above and beyond? This political nonsense needs to stop
Stacia don,t worry you shall still eat bread and in due time you will be blessed with bigger and better contracts ,who JAH bless no man can curse, this is just politics at play, petty stupidity, you will prevail.Parents stand up and fight them.
Someone pulled a “string”? Not a ham string. It is very disrespectful to the parents and to the former bus driver – then again we are talking about a country where customer service does not exist, respect is at its lowest and everyone thinks he/she is above the law.
I am very proud of the parents for “standing their ground”. I, too, would be concerned about who drives my child to school. Not just about the person’s character, but driving capability. Since they don’t know the individual, who knows whether he is a reckless driver? Does he care about the children as much as he does about the money?
Dominica need more qualified professionals! too much who you know instead of what you know. Parents good for you!
I just want to clarify that the last statement “parents good for you” means, it is good they stood up for their children.
country is a mess,the new bus driver must be a friend.
Abstaining from school is not an option in their books.. the point is getting their children to school everyday and on time and by someone whom they trust… if the authorities had issues with the given driver the parents had a right to know… basic human rights…First the facts are the first day the replacement driver never showed and the second was late.. Now how many of us would want that for ourselves and children, only those who have no respect for time and education… That is total nonsense,.. Nothing more disrespectful than decisions being taken that affect people without discussing with the very persons concerned… I would be irate… And I am irate.. And for us to accept such is despicable..
You remove a drive that the parent know and from what is see respect.Someone that as the parent say “She sometimes goes out of her way to take our children back and forth.”. with not one meeting or word to the parent.you replace that parson with someone that the parent apparently dont know. but yet expect them to trust their kids to. And yet some people are up here saying about find the fact first.. unless the replacement driver is doing this job for free this is unprofessional, childish and very bias. this is nothing more than the permanent sec. taking bread from one person and giving it to a friend.
We need to learn to call things for what they are.putting politics aside cause not everything is political but that person should be ashamed of her self for acting so unprofessional.
The list u could do is have a meeting with the parent and get their input.. and that the problem with this country. everybody feel they have power to do what they want and answer to no one.
Ridiculous!
In the past my children’s school bus driver was replaced and no one asked for my approval. I don’t know the current driver, and did not personally know the last one. So what is your point. As long as this person meets the same qualification needed to do the job, this should not be a problem.
Also, I think that the love (money) should be spread around. If you had a contract for several years, it’s time to give someone else a chance.
I believe a meeting should be held to inform parents and drivers, that is the respectable way to do it
I think so too .A Stranger just showing up to move Children without the parent knowing is rude.We are just insensitive in General and some People are demanding proper treatment.This is not just the Ministry of Education but it is widespread in Dominica .We are rough and gruff!
AMEN. It’s very disrespectful to change the driver without the parents knowing. After all it’s their children, and it is only fitting that they know who will be driving their children to and from school.
The pettiness that we practice in Dominica is one of the main reason we lag in so many ways. Instead of getting their heads down into the things that we need to move the country forward they are focusing on childish behavior – they hunt down every opportunity to victimize people who are not their party color; they arrest every little job opportunity for themselves and friends.
Had the first bus driver been unsuited for the task then she should have been told but to fly over like a drone and take her out of the job is totally disgraceful and sad. When a fellow human being is so mistreated then all human beings irrespective of race, color, religion political party , gender should denounce such injustice.
your not a parent so u will not see the problem. it have bus drivers that have DIRTY DIRTY WAS may it be man or woman. boss i protecting mine as long as i can and am not sending her anywhere without i know. i drop my daughter to school, see the school meet with the teacher and some of the parents and we spoke.
A fruit never falls far from the tree. you know why you are so over protective because you only see a mirror. did the parents say about dirty ways? you need a wash out,i hope you are not preying on your daughter,you just don’t trust your daughter
Whoever dismissed her without informing her may be of the opinion due to having a contract she does not deserve to be previously informed and no explanation should be provided for the decision.
This is Dominica. I do feel that such should not be practiced. Why deny her of her livelihood and without informing her about it, then employing another driver? This is inconsiderate and heartless.
Have you ever heard of human rights. lET THE PEOPLE(PARENTS) HAVE THEIR SAY
my friend all this gone out of the Door in Dominica this days its all about party lol
“She said some parents visited the Ministry of Education Thursday and were told that it was a decision was made by the permanent Secretary.”
Linton Garçon Marn done tell you is d whole “House” you have to clean up yeh!!!
Linton??
My mom payed bus fare for ma little brother to go school his whole high school n college life, and most of it was under UWP now some parents have it easier.
So doh come dia n talk bout linton, U know linton doh like freeness so he would take out the entire free bus system.
But any way the government need to give back the woman her damn job, period
I agree with the parents. You cannot just change bus driver just because you want to do somebody a favour. I dont know this Stacia but if the parents want her then put her back and is all.
We just rude and inconsiderate in this Country .Rough and gruff .We doing You a favour so You have no say and we don towe You any explanation .This is widespread in Dominica .Because I work with Government I higher than You and You just have to take what I dish out .They have no idea tha tthey are the Servants of the people and they not even Civil
And you got your information where? The article does not state that the initial driver was replaced to do another a fovour. Please, where did you get your information??????????????
I understand the parents frustration but they need to find out first why did they remove their well known bus driver and replaced her all of a sudden. Then and only then they can proceed with their complaints. Refusing to let the children ride the bus is only going to hinder their education. We sometimes act too quickly before we get the facts.
Are u assuming there is only one option?…take the bus or stay home.
Agreed!
you know what I like about this place its not had to know the red people to them is only one way things a right its when you saying something good about the red pm
Why stay home – every other child prior to the bus system being put in place went to school. If I choose not to let my child ride a praticular bus, it is my responsibility to provide another meeans of getting from point A to point B.
i am not assuming anything it’s just that the parents need to find out why Stacia was removed before they do something they may regreat.
I can only assume that the other option would be to pay their own way. Then let it be.
I agree with “Toosense” 10000000000000%. The drive would not admit fault to the parents. Find out why this decision was taken, before letting ignorance prevail.
No disrespect but have u lost ur rockers? U will be surprised how the people pull together to get their students to school. Abstaining from school is not an option in their books.. the point is getting their children to school everyday and on time and by someone whom they trust… if the authorities had issues with the given driver the parents had a right to know… basic human rights…First the facts are the first day the replacement driver was never showed and the second was late.. Now how many of us would want that for ourselves and children, only those who have no respect for time and education… That is total nonsense,.. Nothing more disrespectful than decisions being taken that affect people without discussing with the very persons concerned… I would be irate… And I am irate.. And for us to accept such is despicable..
* correction..replacement driver never showed..
So far you are the only one that make sense. It’s all political.
Please becareful with your young children, especially if you do not know the designated driver. It is the parents right to know who is driving their children back and forth. A meeting should been kept to inform the parents and children, they have that right.
In view of criminal elements and increasing ones, the days for trusting strangers in small Dominica, is sadly, long past.
In the USA it is a right here it would not even be considered a priviledge!Here it is a favour so shut up or we will oppress You.Tha tattitude must go!
Thats not a problem, just pay all you own bus to go school nah?
Shut up.
thats MARIGOT tax payers money so shut your face
Amen!!!!
This is what the parents should do. Hope their favorite and reliable bus driver will be reinstated and with compensation for lost wages.
that could be arranged. is people like u they will shove manure down your throat for freeness.
they use to before government take it over ur fool
we were use to paying stacia to carry our children to school before the government decide to pay the fees so anonymous its not hard for us to return to doing that. but yoursekf in our place then tell us wat to do
ummmmm…ok :/
Sounds like a paragraph in the book, “How we run a Coconut Republic.” I fully understand and support the concerned parents. Any blind citizen can see where that’s coming from.
Hmmmmmm
!
“Change Must Come” and that will be very berry bery soon.
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
U sound like a stuck record.
The type of change you want is not necessary. Governments and those responsible in that government department do not always comply with regulations. They make errors. There are times unfair preferential treatment is practiced. First find out why the bus driver was removed and how they went about it. The general public deserves an explanation of their action and decision.
ok
the people have spoken…..shame on the p.s.
i agree with Stacia, very unprofessional. They could have called the meeting and include Stacia in it and tell her of the same issues. If after she still does the same thing then they could take the step which they have taken. Well they can choose not to take the bus ride to school, they are the ones who’s gonna get there late, not Stacia.Smh
if u do not understand please be informed, is stacia we want not any one else k. get yr facts straight k country bookie
What did she do which was so bad to deserve this removal? It appears the parents and children did not have a complaint.
Yep first day He does not show up second day He is late He should be fired !
Thats childish
It appears that the parents have alternative means.
Under the circumstances they are forced to do so.
Roseau Valley and Salisbury as well
open allu eyes..is a disease …allu not seeing, it starts from the head..if skeritt doing it they can do it too…just changing and not informing…watch out!!!that is how the pm did with Mr. williams. hmmmmm protest parents u have ur rights..the people must speak.
They Nominate Alix Boyd Knight and Mr. Eulid Williams President did not even know .So is not People in Concord they will inform about a School bus driver