Dear Editor,
This letter is not written out of malice or defiance, but out of deep frustration and concern — and above all, a plea for help.
Let me first be clear: the rules at Antigua Girls’ High School are not the problem. Many of them have existed for years, and most parents—including myself—understand and support the need for structure and discipline. The issue lies in the stringent enforcement, the lack of compassion, and the harassment and disrespect being meted out to both parents and students under the current administration.
Since the arrival of the new principal in September, the environment at the school has changed drastically. Rules that had previously been enforced with reason and leniency are now being handled with rigidity and hostility. The tone and approach have shifted from discipline to domination.
The list of enforced restrictions includes:
- No powder, lip gloss, or fashion glasses
- No beads, bows, or puffs in the hair
- No shiny shoes, shoes with bows, or sneakers — only Hoppers brand shoes are allowed
No one disputes the importance of neatness or uniformity. But the way these rules are being imposed—without empathy or consideration for individual circumstances—has created unnecessary hardship.
In my case, my daughter cannot even fit Hoppers shoes due to the shape of her feet. I purchased the best possible alternative I could afford, and only through the kindness of a friend who helped me buy them. Yet, my daughter was sent home repeatedly because the shoes were “not the right brand.” As a single mother struggling financially, with the child’s father still tied up in an unresolved court matter, I simply do not have the means to buy another pair. I explained this to the school, but it fell on deaf ears.
Teachers are also suffering under the same atmosphere. Some who rarely took leave before are now going on two-week sick leave, citing stress and frustration. The school’s internet is reportedly being turned off until late in the day, disrupting lessons and leaving both teachers and students unproductive and anxious.
My daughter’s experiences have been particularly distressing. One teacher asked her to lift an item, and when she explained that she couldn’t because of a spinal injury sustained in a previous bus accident, the teacher punished her by giving her 200 lines to write—not once, but three times. Even though she no longer takes that teacher’s subject, the punishment was upheld. For a child already managing pain and physical limitations, this was nothing short of cruel. It also took away from time she needed for her SBA and CXC work.
Another incident left both of us humiliated. During the Independence celebrations, my daughter—who had been invited to participate—was publicly questioned by the principal in front of others, asking, “Who told you to take part?” The embarrassment and confusion were heartbreaking, especially since I had initially discouraged her from joining. When I went to the school to address it, I was cut off mid-sentence and told to “book an appointment” to come back. As a parent trying to resolve matters respectfully, I was treated with complete disregard.
Beyond these personal experiences, the financial strain placed on parents is another concern. For the 2026 graduation, the package costs $1,250. Students are still being told they must fundraise $20,000, including $7,000 for the church venue. In these difficult times, such demands are unrealistic and insensitive.
To make matters worse, children are being kept in the office all day for uniform infractions—sometimes without access to food or water—missing valuable classes even when SBAs are being submitted. My daughter came home one day with a headache and said she couldn’t take her medication because she wasn’t allowed to eat until she complied with a uniform demand. This is not discipline; this is endangerment.
When I went to the Ministry of Education last week to share my concerns, I met another parent doing the same. We both left feeling unheard and helpless. Many teachers and parents feel the same way, but few speak out because they fear retaliation. Some teachers, I’m told, have resorted to taking sick leave simply to cope with the toxic environment.
I write this letter not just for my child, but for every student and teacher at Antigua Girls’ High School who feels voiceless and overwhelmed. The school has a proud history of excellence, but that legacy is being overshadowed by a culture of fear and disrespect.
To the Ministry of Education, I implore you: please intervene. Visit the school. Speak to the teachers. Speak to the students and parents without administrative presence. Listen to what is truly happening. Discipline should build character, not break spirits. Our daughters deserve better.
As a mother, I want my child to learn, to grow, and to thrive in an environment that values her mind and her well-being. What is happening now is not education—it is oppression wrapped in the name of order.
Please, help us restore the Antigua Girls’ High School to what it once was: a place of dignity, compassion, and learning.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Parent
