47 schools benefit from summer renovations

Major school repair and upgrade works are on course for completion before classes resume, the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) said Friday, marking the first time in years that critical improvements are expected to be finished prior to the start of the Michaelmas term. The development is being attributed to year-round maintenance, faster funding, and closer oversight by unions and government.

Speaking at Gordon Walters Primary School on Friday, BUT first vice president and head of its health and safety committee, Julian Pierre, said this was a marked change from previous years when work frequently extended into the school term.

“As you know, the Ministry of Educational Transformation participates in the summer maintenance programme, carrying out refurbishments and upgrades to schools across the island,” he told Barbados TODAY.

“This year, approximately 47 schools had various works to be carried out—including bathroom upgrades, replacement of windows and doors, new locks, painting, and industrial cleaning.”

Pierre said union officials had already inspected around 30 schools and were confident that most would be ready for reopening. He noted, however, that St Giles and St George Primary Schools warranted closer monitoring, while a persistent problem at St Mary’s Primary remained unresolved.

“One concern, however, is St Mary’s Primary School,” he noted. “There’s an ongoing issue with the drainage behind the school… Obviously, there are a lot of rodents in the area. It is uncomfortable; the stagnant water causes a stench, as well as attracting rodents. So we are hopeful that the Drainage Division will address it with haste and urgency this time to ensure the issue is resolved.”

He commended the Ministry’s Education Technical Management Unit (ETMU) for what he described as “favourable communication” and prompt responses to concerns. “We are thankful for this cordial communication and the swift action by the ETMU. We look forward to continuing to work with them,” Pierre said.

The BUT executive also noted that quicker payments to contractors this year had enabled them to commence work as early as mid-July. “Obviously, the contractors appreciate this, as it allows them to purchase materials, pay staff, and get on with the work… It is easier when they can pace themselves yet still ensure a certain standard of efficiency and quality that satisfies everyone.”

Earlier this week, acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Educational Transformation, Kim Belle, confirmed that all schools were being readied for the reopening of teachers on September 1 and students on September 8. She explained that the ministry had shifted its approach from concentrating all refurbishment in the summer to phased maintenance throughout the year, on evenings and weekends, with only major works left for the holiday period.

The government allocated $5.7 million for this year’s school repair programme. sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb