(EMU) – St. Kitts, January 05, 2015: Education Officer Mrs. Amanda Edmead pronounced a “New Start” for the Basseterre High School at the event to launch the newly constructed building which is to house the school temporarily until the completion of their new school scheduled to start construction later this year.
On Monday January 4th, hundreds of students of the Basseterre High School lined the corridors of the newly built structure which would be home to them while they await construction of their new building.
Several Government officials including Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris and Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Shawn Richards participated in the event and gave rave reviews about the standard of the completed building mentioning that no expense was spared in ensuring its safety and security.
The Deputy Prime Minister stated, “’Students, teachers and parents, you have an outstanding, modern school facility,” he urged the students to keep “this beautiful structure as is, a clean and safe environment.” Other amenities include fire extinguishers in every room, white boards to reduce allergic reactions from chalk-dust, ramps for easy access to the bathrooms, as well as railings and balusters installed on the elevated areas.
Prime Minister of the Federation Hon Dr. Timothy Harris, while addressing the audience and more specifically the students, lauded the government’s initiative with regards to its commitment to the youths, “Five million dollars, we invested to get this facility all completed for the start of the new school term, we saw it not as a charge against the public finances but as an investment in the future of St. Kitts and Nevis, we invested because we care for the students, teachers and all those involved in giving support to the purveying of a quality education.”
Deputy Prime Minister Richards alluded that plans were already in the process to procure a location for the permanent home of the Basseterre High. He announced, “These buildings are temporary structures and measures have been put in place to begin addressing the permanent school. A Basseterre High School Site Selection Committee comprising of various stakeholders from different Ministries has been established. The committee has identified five (5) possible locations and the various key factors have been assessed to ensure that the site would bring the most benefits to key stakeholders of the Basseterre High School. The Government has made budgetary allocation of $10 million for the construction of the permanent Basseterre High to commence in 2016.”
Director of Public Works, Mr. Cromwell Williams, during the project overview highlighted and thanked all stakeholders, namely the government and construction companies, “It is an occasion of great significance in many ways, the government on all levels has made important contributions both symbolic and practical. The Ministers have provided encouragement throughout the process for which I am very grateful.” He continued, “Innotech Services Ltd., out of Barbados was responsible for constructing the (3) three main blocks that consists of (18) eighteen classrooms, (1) one administrative office, covered lunch area/gazebo, garbage bin holding area, perimeter fencing, water storage system and related services such as the landscaping”.
Up for special commendation were the three contractors responsible for various aspects of the facility including Innotech of Barbados which constructed a Gazebo as an additional feature at no cost to Government. Similarly Allie’s Construction and E & J Construction were responsible for the bathroom facilities and the staff room and staff facilities respectively.
Additionally, gratitude was expressed to the Masonic Lodge and the Boys Scouts Association which allowed use of the property for the construction of the school.
Persons who were specifically singled out for their input and commitment were, past principal of the school Mrs. Carlene Henry Morton and her husband Charles Morton and present Principal, Mr. Ron Collins.
The Basseterre High School, P. T. A. President, Mr. Walwyn Chiverton expressed appreciation on behalf of the parents and students, to the Government, ministry of Education and staff of the school. “Special mention should be made of the role of public authorities as well. Their help and expertise are before us as they have found a way to utilize the land and do so in a way which is truly marvellous.”
Negotiations for the temporary Basseterre High commenced mid-August 2015, with construction beginning the following month on September 14th. The entire project spanned approximately eight (8) weeks which concluded on 25th December, 2015 with a budget of five (5) million dollars. The classrooms constructed on the site would be able to separate for relocation to other sites for other purposes once the new school is built.
Forms 1 through 4 would be housed at the new facility, while the 5th form block will remain at the Premier Dental facility. The use of the Washington Archibald High School for special subject areas would continue.
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