World Bank Official Witnesses Official Opening Of Education Complex
Students Urged To Study Competitive Subjects
By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter - SKNVibes.com
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Photos show the state of the art education complex officially opened
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{Charlestown; Nevis} A visiting World Bank Senior Education Specialist, Cynthia Hobbs, has commended the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) for completion of the ultra modern education complex which is an extension of the Charlestown Secondary School (CSS).
Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) financed the construction of the state of the art complex at a cost of EC$ 4.3 million. Mirsand Town Planning designed the building and Architects Ltd, based in British Virgin Islands while the construction work was undertaken by Trinidad based China Jiangsu International Economic-Technical Cooperation.
Speaking during the ceremony, Mrs. Hobbs said the elegant; state of the art building would facilitate students in Nevis to study competitive subjects, which will determine the future of Nevis. “It is not about us, it is about the students,” she said.
She said ongoing studies by World Bank education specialists indicated that students would need to pursue competitive subjects to complement the changing Caribbean economy, “We have talked to various sectors and they tell us what is being taught.”
She listed some of the relevant subjects in a changing economy – English, Communication Skills, Mathematics, Research Skills, Science and Technology and Information Technology. Mrs Hobbs also pointed out that it was important for the students to be trained to work as teams.
The Premier of Nevis Joseph Parry, who officially opened the education complex said NIA’s priority, was education and training. The complex houses among other facilities a library, science laboratories and classrooms that is supposed to ease the problem of overcrowding in CSS.
Hon. Parry who is also the Minister of Education said the completion of the building was timely, “The children in CSS will have access to all these facilities,” he said. The Premier also promised to solve the problem of overcrowding in CSS staff room.
He urged the students to handle the new facilities with care and alerted them that the modern complex had cost EC$4.3 million. He said NIA is committed to upgrading the entire school, teachers will be relieved of stress and strive
Hon. Parry also disclosed that a private investor has confirmed that he will launch a communication project that will give employment to 200 persons. The Premier said the government would ensure that all Nevisians will be given opportunities to train and said the Minister of Social Development, Hensley Daniel had facilitated several Nevisians to train as trainers of trainers in Trinidad so that they could train those working in the informal sector.
“What we are trying to do is create a revolution in this country to help Nevisians of all walks of life,” said the Premier.
Project Manager, Lawrence Elmes gave an overview of the project. He said the new expansion comprised of a floor area of some 17,000 feet spread over two wings with two floors each, “It seeks to provide specialist learning accommodation as well as a number of classrooms.”~~Adz:Right~~
“Three science laboratories – physics, chemistry and biology – each complete with preparation rooms, are located on the ground floor. They range in size from 669 square feet to 1,243 square feet. The smallest of the laboratories can accommodate 30 students doing practical assignments. There is also a multi-purpose laboratory with 1,243 square feet of space. Also on the ground floor is a suite of bathrooms for staff and students,” he explained.
He went further to say that the upper floor contains a language laboratory where students will be able to listen to recordings, practice speaking a foreign language and carry out drill exercises. There is also a 2,100 square foot library and reading room, which can accommodate 60 students in addition to stacks, and three classrooms ranging in size from 530 square feet to 560 square feet. The smallest class will be able to accommodate 25 students.
All the facilities are accessible to wheel chair-bound students and staff. There are ramps from ground level to the lower floor and an electric elevator is conveniently located to transport persons between floors.
The design drawings and specifications were reviewed for the government by Daphne Hobson – Architect and her consulting engineers, Elmes Associates and Liburd’s Electric between November 2001 and January 2002.
In August 2005, China Jiangsu International Economic-Technical Cooperation Corporation, headquartered in Port of Spain, Trinidad won the tender to construct the project at a cost of $EC 3.5 million, Elmes said. Construction began in December 2005 and the project was declared complete early in July 2007.
The project supervision team consisted of the Project Co-ordinator, Raoul Pemberton, Clerk of Works, Kurvin Wallace and the staff at Elmes Associates. Ministry of Works Permanent Secretary, Ernie Stapleton, headed the project oversight committee. The committee also comprised of Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Joseph Wiltshire, Mr. Elvin Bailey and the Charlestown Secondary School Principal, E. Elliot.
The Junior Minister, Ministry of Communication, Carlisle Powell, also spoke during the ceremony and hailed the various sectors that had partnered to bring the project to completion.
