ST ANN'S EAST MP Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly asked about the status of the book-grant scheme, in light of the pending opening of the new school term. The former education minister was at a media briefing at the Opposition Leader's office in Port of Spain on August 18. She said applications had been submitted under the former administration and had been under processing.

"We are about three weeks away but have not been hearing anything with regards to those grants. Parents are very concerned.

"We also have the situation where tens of thousands of people are out of jobs now and depend on that book grant."