Concerns raised over lack of data on dropout rates and truancy

Territorial At-Large Representative Stacey ‘Buddha’ Mather has criticised the Ministry of Education for not providing current data on student truancy and dropout rates in the BVI.

During a recent JTV News interview with members of the newly formed opposition “Alliance” group, Mather expressed concern over the absence of up-to-date statistics, questioning the transparency and accountability of the education sector.

“When you’re asking questions and the Minister says she’s reimagining education and it’s data-driven, where is the data for dropout rates? Where’s the data for truancy?” Mather asked. “Because if we have crime in the country, how are we gathering data?”

He argued that without accurate information, it is difficult to assess the state of the education system and implement effective strategies to support at-risk students.

The criticism follows a recent exchange in the House of Assembly, where Mather pressed Education Minister Sharie deCastro for information on dropout rates and truancy. According to Mather, deCastro admitted that the Ministry only recognised the need for such data in January 2025. He remarked, “That was last month. So what have you been doing as the Minister in terms of trying to push these things forward?”