Trinidad and Tobago’s bureaucratic school transfer system is under scrutiny, with legal and educational experts warning of potential State liability for failing to uphold children’s right to education. Attorney and child rights activist Denelle Singh has called on parents and guardians to explore legal avenues when confronted with systemic delays. Her comments follow a case reported by Newsday, where an Arima teenager has been out of school for two years due to transfer inefficiencies. Singh emphasized that the Education Act mandates full-time schooling for children aged 5-16, with parents facing prosecution and fines for non-compliance under Section 77. However, she stressed that the Ministry of Education bears a legal duty to provide adequate public school placements and ensure enrollment for all children within this age range. Singh highlighted the plight of vulnerable children, including those in State care, who face additional hardships due to the slow transfer process. She also criticized the broader failures of the education system, noting that children with special needs and migrant children are often overlooked, despite public outcries. Singh questioned whether education in Trinidad and Tobago is truly free, given the disparities in access and quality. She pointed out the lack of specialized schools and trained teachers for children with special needs, forcing many parents to seek costly private education or quit their jobs to homeschool their children. Walter Stewart, president of the National Council of Parent Teacher Associations, urged parents to keep their children in school during transfer delays and follow the proper channels to escalate unresolved issues. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the system’s chain of command to achieve resolution.