Crucial weekend for two schools amid health, safety concerns

By Ryan Gilkes

The fate of two public schools hangs in the balance on the eve of the new school term with both teachers and students uncertain of whether classes will be held at their old locations or in temporary accommodations.

All appears to hinge on what a series of inspections and results of environmental studies will reveal this weekend at the Ann Hill School on Pine Plantation Road, and Luther Thorne Memorial Primary School in Wildey.

Following a meeting held on Friday morning with the Ministry of Education, General Secretary of the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) Herbert Gittens told Barbados TODAY no concrete decisions have been reached regarding the future of classes at these schools, just four days before students are scheduled to return to learning.

During the last school term, both schools faced multiple disruptions as environmental issues threatened the health and safety of students and staff.

At Ann Hill, reports emerged of respiratory problems among teachers and complaints of mould in some classrooms. Luther Thorne experienced interruptions throughout the last academic year due to issues such as dust, pests, and various environmental concerns.

Gittens indicated more would be known after a weekend tour of the affected schools: “What was determined after the discussions with the ministry is that there will be
a walk-through of both schools because some remedial work would have been ongoing at both schools during the
period.”

He said the BUT had not yet received any of the reports on environmental studies at both schools it had requested from the education ministry, though he was quick to point out that officials were working to expedite their completion. After the union reviews the reports, and following the walkthrough, it should be better positioned to determine the next step, he said.

Herbert has also assured that by Sunday, parents, teachers, and students would receive information about the status of both schools, to allow for adequate preparation and clarity.

“[The ministry had] indicated so far there is a contingency plan for Ann Hill, but based on the outcome [on Saturday], they may have to put [a plan] in place for Luther Thorne just to ensure that the teaching and learning continues there,” the BUT general secretary said.  

“They didn’t say what the contingency would be but it would be speaking to alternate accommodation, I believe . . . but that wasn’t shared.” 

(RG)