This announcement was made yesterday, May 8, 2020, by Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie at a special live COVID-19 update where he said that as part of the 'new regular', education is taking on a different approach from the traditional classroom to online learning.

'The new regular' & education

"We are aware that with anything new there will always be teething pains, but let’s now allow the perfect to become the enemy of the greater good. We are aware that there are some students who do not have all the equipment they need to function effectively in this new type of learning environment."

He said as a result of the new mandate and in order to support their online schooling, as well as local teachers who have the same needs, Cabinet has made moves to help in that area.

"Hence, the Cabinet made a decision to allow for the purchase of laptops to assist those students and teachers who still have a need. Cabinet approved the waiving of the tender process to purchase 500 laptops for students and teachers to support online education as a result of the disruption to the traditional education caused by COVID-19."

According to the Premier, Cabinet also decided that the contract be awarded to Infinite Solutions for the supply of laptops in the amount of $138,800 to facilitate online education.

Education must make adjustments - Premier Fahie

Hon Fahie said, "We now look forward to our children and teachers receiving those laptops so that they can continue to prepare for the future of this Territory. Please be mindful that in this new regular, even the education system will have to make adjustments."