Laptop distribution to begin today, says Education Minister

Laptop distribution to begin today, says Education Minister

The Ministry of Education will start distributing laptops to schools today, Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath confirmed in Parliament yesterday. He also reported that 19,914 book grants have so far been issued to qualifying families.

Dowlath was responding to questions from PNM MP Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly regarding the rollout of the laptop initiative, the book grant programme, and ongoing school repairs. Gadsby-Dolly criticised the Government for not delivering the promised devices before the new school year began in September and sought clarification on the delivery timeline, supplier, and overall cost of the 18,000 laptops.

Dowlath countered by saying the previous administration had failed to provide laptops during its decade in office. He explained that the Government plans to align the delivery of the full 18,000 laptops with the start of distribution to Form One students by the end of the current academic term.

He thanked the Prime Minister for reviving the laptop programme and outlined the delivery schedule from the vendor:
• 2,500 devices delivered on Tuesday,
• 8,500 more expected on December 3, and
• 7,000 final units due on December 23.

Importantly, he said, distribution to schools officially begins Thursday, November 27, 2025.

The total estimated cost for the laptops and accessories is $135 million.

Dowlath explained that in August 2025, Cabinet approved TSTT as the state entity responsible for supplying the devices for incoming Form One students for the 2025/2026 academic year. This arrangement was formalised through an MOU signed on September 17, 2025. TSTT will procure the laptops through processes aligned with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property Act.

Regarding the School Supplies/Book Grant programme, Dowlath said the initiative had been left unfunded by the former administration and credited the Prime Minister for restoring it. For 2025, the Ministry received 31,344 applications, with 28,444 valid after removing duplicates. Based on the income threshold of $7,499 per month, 20,000 applicants qualified, and all were processed.

Of these, 19,914 grants have already been distributed. As of November 7, 2025, 86 cases remain outstanding:
• 72 cheques ready but not yet collected,
• 10 cheques requiring reissue, and
• 4 payments pending submission of Letters of Administration for deceased recipients.

Dowlath said all remaining payments will be completed once these matters are resolved.