The Minister for Education Hon. Mahendra Reddy has called on Opposition Member Hon. Viliame Gavoka to immediately withdraw the petition he presented to Parliament earlier this week.
Minister Reddy’s comments follow a meeting with the Nadroga/Navosa Provincial Council chairman Ratu Aisea Waka today to clarify the issue of the conversion of the Nadroga Navosa High School into a technical college.
“I call on the Hon. Gavoka to immediately withdraw the petition and for parliament to ensure the authenticity of the petition presented by Hon. Gavoka,” Minister Reddy said.
Nadroga/ Navosa Provincial Council Chairman Ratu Aisea in reiterating his support for the Ministry of Education said that the petition was uncalled for as all processes for the establishment of the technical college was followed through.
“We have full confidence in Government and the direction taken by the Ministry of Education in establishing this technical college which we believe will be very beneficial to our students,” Mr Waka said.
“Nadroga/Navosa has also amongst its students, dropouts and even youths and our province is tainted as a marijuana planting province. We are trying to change this as there are also a lot of opportunities available for employment for our students through such (Technical) colleges.”
Minister Reddy said the petition presented in parliament created confusion as the provincial council and all stakeholders were consulted before discussions has progressed and the meeting with the provincial council today has clarified this.
He also added that Cabinet would make a decision on the proposed memorandum of understanding before it is signed in the next few months.
The petition by Hon. Gavoka is alleged to be on behalf of a few disgruntled parents disagreeing to convert Navosa Central College to a Technical College which would provide students and youths better formal education opportunities.
(For a video on Minister Reddy’s statement please click http://youtu.be/_lFtkKD4udk )