BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - MINISTER OF EDUCATION Dr. Geoffrey Hanley has confirmed that work has been undertaken at a number of schools across St. Kitts and are nearing completion ahead of the start of the 2023/2024 academic school year.
Amongst them is the Irish Town Primary School, which underwent a number of changes, including the implementation of a security hut, and the Minister explained that works would be completed by the September 4 school term.
“...it is sad that we were not able to meet my original target. Not because of anything on our side as a government, but CDEMA had approved five projects that they would normally do in the region. St. Kitts was approved but unfortunately because of their [CDEMA) lack of resources in their office, they informed me that they moved from 12 procurement officers to just one. So that in itself is taking time,” he told reporters recently.
During his conversation with the media, Hanley noted that they are currently working on the Irish Town Primary School, which was the center of concern when a crossing guard was killed by a stray bullet in the presence of children.
The incident escalated to the school compound, drawing frustration and condemnation from all. Since then the Government promised to upgrade the institution and construct a guard hut to increase security at the location.
Dr. Hanley disclosed that they are currently renovating the bathrooms at Tucker Clarke Primary School and are in the process of changing all of the wooden doors to aluminum at the institution to provide for better security.
“This is something that I am dealing with personally, because you would have captured me in interviews before…taking on the responsibility of tiling the entire auditorium. So that is another initiative,” he explained.
The Ministry of Education is also currently engaged in electrical works at the Washington Archibald High School, including the air conditioniner unit for the staff room, as a means to minimize the discomfort of teachers and students.
The Cayon High School, alarmingly, is of concern for the Minister who said that “much attention has not been placed on the school”, which has been left in a state of disrepair.
“You had classrooms without windows, without doors, without electrical fittings, and one of the challenges for the Government is having to retrofit schools to accommodate for the changing climatic conditions, where there is currently unbearable heat,” Dr. Hanley said.
Just recently he explained to this publication that they are working to ensure children are in a comfortable environment for learning.
