BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FOLLOWING the promised assistance by Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris, a large number of students from some hurricane-affected countries have arrived in St. Kitts and Nevis and were registered at various schools.
This publication was told by government officials that 66 students were registered at various schools in the Federation – 54 in St. Kitts and 12 in Nevis.
Up to press time today (Oct. 11), the Ministry of Education in St. Kitts reported that the 54 students were registered at the pre-school, primary and secondary levels.
In an interview with SKNVibes, Deputy Chief Education Officer, Darrel Lloyd disclosed that 15 children came from Anguilla, three from St. Thomas, four from the USA/Florida area, 15 from Tortola, nine from St. Maarten and eight from the Commonwealth of Dominica.
Of the 54 students, 20 are males and 34 are females.
Lloyd told SKNVibes that 25 students were registered at primary schools, 26 at secondary schools and three at pre-schools.
Information obtained by this media house indicates that at the pre-school level, one registered at Saddler’s and the others at Victoria Road School.
At the primary level, two students are registered at the Sandy Point institution, one at Cayon, one at Bronte Welch, nine at Dr. William Connor, five at Dean Glasford, six at Beach Allen and one at Dieppe Bay.
At secondary schools, the numbers indicate that 16 were registered at Basseterre High, four at Charles E Mills Secondary, one at Verchild’s High, two at Saddler’s Secondary and three at Cayon High.
When asked what system was employed in the placement of students, Lloyd explained that it was based on where they reside on the island.
“They were placed where they reside because persons have family members who have children overseas who were not born in St. Kitts and did not request citizenship for them, so, they were considered non-nationals. Nationals mean that you have a St. Kitts status.”
He revealed that 29 of those students were non-nationals and a further 25 are nationals or the holders of St. Kitts and Nevis passport.
Meanwhile, on sister isles Nevis, Sales and Marketing Director at the Tourism Authority, Devon Liburd pointed out that after speaking with a member of one of the schools, that person disclosed that 12 students from St. Maarten, Anguilla and Dominica were registered at schools on that island.
“So, the government of St. Kitts and Nevis, and the people of St. Kitts and Nevis are here with open arms and welcoming persons who have been affected adversely by the hurricanes,” Lloyd said.
