'Use It or Be Punished?' Bishop Martin Students Threatened Over MOE-Issued Chromebooks

Use It or Be Punished? Bishop Martin Students Threatened Over MOE-Issued Chromebooks

The Ministry of Education in Belize aims to “promote equitable access to quality education and support Belize's transition toward a more digitally empowered learning environment” through its Skills for the Future Program.

Bishop Martin High School (BMHS) recently received a second batch of Chromebooks for students from First to Fourth Form as part of this initiative. The devices are distributed to students and become their property, but they are intended exclusively for educational purposes.

Concerns and Restrictions

Some students already own personal laptops, which in some cases better accommodate needs such as vision impairments. Parents who voiced concerns were reportedly advised to consider transferring their children if they refused to comply with the Chromebook policy.

Principal Angel Leiva stated, “Effective Thursday, November 6, 2025, students are required to bring the Chromebooks they received from the Ministry of Education to school. Other devices are now prohibited.”

Enforcement and Response

Reliable sources informed News 5 that students have been threatened with demerits if they do not follow this rule. When contacted, Principal Leiva confirmed,

“It’s a matter that the management and administration are currently addressing along with the Ministry of Education.”

The situation highlights the challenges of implementing uniform technology policies in schools while addressing individual student needs.

Author’s summary: Strict enforcement of MOE-issued Chromebook use at Bishop Martin High School faces pushback due to personal device preferences and accessibility needs.

Greater Belize Media — 2025-11-08