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by pltm
Officials are today getting a better understanding of the damage caused by Monday's tropical wave, that caused severe flooding to several areas, including the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) in Road Town, which is reportedly the hardest hit school.
Despite this, Hon. Myron Walwyn, Minister of Education and Culture, said that he does not see it affecting the September 2017-2018 academic school year opening.
When BVI Platinum News visited the school, Minister Walwyn, along with school principal, Sandy Underhill, teachers, students and other community-minded residents were preparing to undertake cleanup efforts.
Minister Walwyn told BVI Platinum News that the damage suffered to the school is mostly water-related, and that they are still to assess the cost of the damage.
"Principal (Underhill) did a very good assessment of the damage here. As you can see, most of it is water damage and we were able to get many volunteers from the community to come in and assist us; some of the students as well were very forthright in seeing the opportunity for them to do their community service as well, by helping the school," he expressed.
He said that Premier and Finance Minister, Hon. Dr. D. Orlando Smith, has made monies available to help with repairing the damaged schools around the island.
(PLTM) - "I met with the Minister of Finance yesterday. He has mobilized some money immediately for all the schools that have been affected, particularly ESHS, which we believe had the most damage, and we are going to move very swiftly to get things in order."
The Minister added, "I don’t see the time for school opening being compromised. The government will do all it can to make sure that school continues on schedule."
Hon. Walwyn also mentioned the Ivan Dawson Primary School, which has also been affected.
"…We are not in a panic situation…," he noted. He said that all school principals are on the ground carrying out assessments.
Principal Underhill said that she is grateful for the assistance from the community, including the Leo and Lions Clubs.
"Pretty much water damage; the entire basement down below; nothing that we don’t foresee that we can put a plan together to get it fixed, but mostly water damage."
She added,"Basically loss of some of the wall area separating the school from the ghut behind where construction was still ongoing."
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