Parents demand resolution to environmental problems at Luther Thorne Memorial Primary

Several parents of Luther Thorne Memorial Primary School students are upset about environmental issues at the Wildey, St Michael school and the Ministry of Education’s lack of communication on the issue, and are demanding action.

Many of them said they were disgusted and appalled when they learned about structural issues, rodent and cockroach infestation, and mould at the school, during a virtual PTA meeting last night. That meeting followed a day in which teachers had not reported for duty until breaktime. The absence of the teachers in the early part of the day had caused mass confusion among parents and guardians who returned for their wards even though the ministry had not closed the school.

Parents told the media earlier this morning that they were disappointed in the Ministry of Education for poor communication. After finding out last night that the structural and environmental issues have been going on for more than ten years, they demanded that the ministry address the problems as soon as possible.

Some reported that their children had been repeatedly falling ill, developing fever, red eye, and diarrhea, and had also experienced vomitting.

They said that now they have a better understanding of what is going on at the school, they stand in support of the teachers.

Today, for the second consecutive day, teachers have indicated they will be at school late. An education officer arrived at the school at 9:47 a.m. Although school has not been officially closed, parents are collecting their children. (SZB)