Eden Lodge, Good Shepherd remain closed as odour source still unknown

The source of the mysterious odour that disrupted operations at Eden Lodge Primary School last week remains unidentified, with the Ministry of Education Transformation announcing that the school and the section of Good Shepherd Primary School housed there will remain closed until further notice.

In an update on Sunday, the ministry said investigations had been extended into the surrounding community after efforts to trace the chemical-like smell on the school compound failed to identify its source.

According to the ministry, the Barbados Fire Service and Barbados National Oil Company were called in last week to assist with the investigation, but no gas was detected on the compound, which it said does not have a gas supply.

The ministry said it was continuing to work with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to determine the source and nature of the odour.
It has also decided to keep the schools closed as a precaution while environmental testing is carried out, noting that parents, teachers and staff are to be informed of the results once they become available.