Schools to get climate-friendly uniforms as heat concerns grow

The Ministry of Education is taking extra measures to protect students as Barbados faces temperatures of up to 33°C and continued hot, dry conditions.

The move comes as the Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) warns the public about the risks of heat exhaustion, dehydration, heat stroke and fainting.

Minister of Education Transformation Chad Blackman said at a press conference on Friday that at least one school has introduced new uniforms to help students stay comfortable in the hot weather.

“You will see a uniform at the Princess Margaret Secondary School with those first-year students that is fit for purpose in a hot climate,” he said. “Part of what the transformation requires is that, as we move forward with the confidence of 60 years behind us, we are determining that we must now come of age in a hot country, to wear uniforms that are appropriate.”

He said the ministry is encouraging all measures to help students stay cool and safe during the heatwave.

“One of the things that the ministry has been advocating, particularly with respect to the school nutrition policy, is the increase in drinking of water, but of course that has an added benefit based on what you’re doing. I must say over the last two years, even before I became minister of education, a number of our schools have seen a significant uptake in the use of water and we want to encourage that,” Blackman remarked.

He also said that upgrades to school buildings are being made to help keep classrooms cooler.

“We’re using a lot of lighter colours which therefore cool the building throughout the day,” he said.

“In addition, where possible, across the system to have air conditioning, not across the entire system, but where possible, in some instances it might be in an office, we have made a deliberate intention to make sure that our schools and the infrastructure is modern and fresh.”

The BMS has advised that hot conditions are expected to persist across Barbados through September and October.

The statement said temperatures have reached 32°C to 33°C in the south, east, and north, while western and urban areas have seen mid-30s, with the heat sometimes feeling close to 45°C.

The BMS has also noted that warmer-than-normal nights are providing little relief, increasing the risk of heat-related illness, particularly among vulnerable people and outdoor workers.

“Warmer-than-average nighttime temperatures are doing very little to relieve this discomfort. While occasional shower activity may bring some temporary relief with moderate breezes from time to time, these high temperatures are expected to persist throughout the remainder of the heat season (September into November),” the BMS stated.

The public is advised to drink plenty of water, wear light clothes and stay out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day. (LG)