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by pltm
(PLTM) - Officials from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) visited the Territory this week to wrap up talks for the bank to loan the government some $5M to carry out upgrades at the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS).
During their visit, CDB officials met with Premier and Finance Minister, Hon. Dr. D. Orlando Smith, Minister of Education and Culture, Hon. Myron Walwyn, officials from the ESHS and the school's Parent-Teachers Association (PTA).
"They came to look at our plans and visit the schools, in particular the high school, to help us to perfect the plans for the new campus there. We are looking at the project in phases," Minister Walwyn told BVI Platinum News.
He said, "We are going to be looking first and foremost at the two buildings that are being done now (to accommodate the extra school year); that’s from local funding and those works have started."
The Minister explained that they expect to get the loan funding from CDB to assist with the building of a new auditorium, inclusive of a cafeteria.
"At the top of the auditorium will be a staff room for teachers; the technical labs are going to be redone. Science labs, bathroom facilities and the completion of the wall and entrances and so forth will be done in the first phase."
The Education Ministry is hoping to have all the necessary paperwork prepared in time for the bank's board meeting in May, with hope that the loan will be approved.
"...The construction documents and all of those things for the auditorium should be done by March, because we intend to meet the May board meeting of CDB to be able to get approval," Minister Walwyn noted.
He said that the $5M is under loan funds in this year's budget, subject to approval from the House of Assembly, noting that its not part of the local funds they receive for capital projects.
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