Word reaching our news desk is that the 2020 Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) graduation exercise scheduled for today, Thursday, July 30, 2020 was rescheduled.

It is now slated to commence on Thursday, August 6, 2020.

According to information reaching our newsroom, the decision to postpone the graduation was made by bureaucrats, mainly the Acting Chief Education Officer Mrs Connie E. George; Permanent Secretary, Mrs Carolyn E. Stoutt-Igwe; and Principal of ESHS, Ms Vanessa K. Garraway.

Education Minister, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) was left out of the loop, according to reports.

Parents, students and some teachers were also allegedly not aware a decision was made to postpone.

It has been said the decision was made due to inclement weather brought on by Tropical Storm Isaias.

Minister Wheatley snubbed?

It is believed that this disrespect for the Minister for Education on this matter; however, led him to convening a meeting with relevant staff to get to the bottom of the issue.

Further, a Zoom call was organised with some parents and the new date was set.

Honourable Wheatley, when reached, confirmed that the graduation will be held next Thursday. “This decision was made after consultation with PS, CEO, principal, and parents,” Hon Wheatley said.

Many residents and parents have criticised Minister Wheatley for not 'cleaning house', as many of the same public officers that the now ousted controversial Education Minister, Myron V. Walwyn, brought in are still left in place and are still reportedly causing havoc to the education system.

“One or two of them” are reported to be undermining the Minister; however, sources did not provide details.

When Dr Wheatley was asked about the reports of certain officers undermining him, Dr Wheatley responded: “The Permanent Secretary, Acting Chief Education Officer and Principal of ESHS are working extremely hard, and I am grateful for their commitment to their jobs.”

Meanwhile, Mrs Stoutt-Igwe and Mrs Garraway did not respond to our request for comments.