…commits to working with APA to edify children on indigenous culture

ADMINISTRATOR of the Mae’s Schools, Stacy French, has reportedly agreed to apologise to nine-year-old Joshua Chacon, who was allegedly evicted from the school after his indigenous attire was deemed inappropriate during a recent culture day activity.

Little Chacon hopes of parading the corridors of the school in a traditional indigenous wear for Culture Day on May 25, 2018 were dashed when he approached the gates of the school. He and his mother, Karen Small, were told that his outfit was inappropriate.

Chacon was wearing a traditional indigenous outfit made of straw accompanied by a headdress. The school in a press statement said refuted the claims of discrimination saying that clear guidelines were given for the culture day, but Small said the school has been dishonest about the incident.

After two days of being picketed, the administration of the school agreed to meet with the Amerindian Peoples’ Association (APA) and the parents of Chacon on Monday at the APA’s Charlotte Street office.

It was during that meeting with APA Executive Director Jean La Rose, that Mae’s Administrator, Stacey French agreed to apologise to Chacon. However, it is unclear whether the school will be issuing a public apology. When the question was put to French, shortly after she and another colleague exited the meeting, this is what she had to say: “No comment at this time. You’ll see how it plays out.”

French, however, disclosed that the administration of Mae’s will be working with the indigenous organisations to be able to move forward.
La Rose, in the presence of APA member Michael Mc Garrell and Chacon’s parents, Karen Small and Jason Chacon, told the Guyana Chronicle that during the meeting Small was given the opportunity to give her side of the story, however, it was disputed by the school to some extent.

“Nonetheless we thrashed it out, and we agreed that there were some inconsistencies in a statement put out by Mae’s,” La Rose said. The APA executive director said one such inconsistency is the claim that Small did not engage any of the teachers, when she was told by the security that her son needed to put on a top. It was made clear that the APA has no reason to doubt the story told by Small.

Despite having different views on what transpired that day, French agreed to apologise. “She said she would apologise to the child, she is considering that.”
La Rose said while French has agreed to apologise to the nine-year-old, the APA and his parents expressed concern about the trauma he has experienced as a result of the incident.

In addition to agreeing to apologise, Mae’s has committed to working with the association to educate children on indigenous culture. Based on that meeting, those informative sessions are expected to be done before the End of Term exams commence. “We told her that this is a teaching and learning lesson, not only for the school but the wider community because I don’t know if you recognise the extent this has reached not only Guyana but internationally as well,” La Rose said.

Small, who was present with her husband Jason Chacon, told this newspaper that despite the negative impact the incident has on little Chacon, the schools’ administration never saw it fit to approach her on the issue, and she only attended the meeting because of the APA.
“I really came to this meeting because of APA and the support they would have given me throughout the process and I wanted the truth to be told,” Small said.

Asked whether she was satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, this is what she had to say: “I don’t want to say much at this point but I just feel that the school needs to come clear. I am not satisfied with their response because they made me out to be a liar, and I am not satisfied.”

Up to press time, the apology was not issued. Anchor and Television Producer Natasha Smith, who was instrumental in organising the picketing exercise, was also part of the meeting.