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by pltm
(PLTM) - The business community and other persons have risen to the challenge, by helping to assist the BVI government in its efforts to rebuild the education sector.
One such person is businessman, Mr. Peter Haycraft of Road Town Wholesale Co. Ltd., who has pledged $1M to rebuild one of the Territory’s primary schools.
“We have had the very generous offer, valued at one million dollars, from Mr. Peter Haycraft of Road Town Wholesale Co. Ltd. to rebuild the Enis Adams Primary School, and we thank him for his very generous offer,” Hon. Myron Walwyn, Minister of Education and Culture announced in the House of Assembly today, November 13.
He said that Haycraft is partnering with a team and the Ministry has begun to have meetings with that team as they chart the way forward in getting the works started.
Oil Nut Bay has committed to rebuild the Robinson O’Neal Primary School in Virgin Gorda, and BVI Asia House is working with Hong Kong Lions to raise funds for the rebuilding of the Elmore Stoutt High School.
“We have had offers from several other persons who are interested in donating towards this school (ESHS), such as Systems Engineering and FDL Consult Inc., and Mr. Raymond Hung, who has pledged $50,000 towards the rebuilding,” the Minister said.
Other persons who were thanked included Team Rubicon, the UK Military and UK Police, Convoy of Hope and Cedar International, UNICEF and the OECS, who has worked with UNICEF to offer psycho-social support for teachers and students.
MSC Cruises has given the Ministry a 4000 sq ft temporary building and this was instrumental in helping them provide adequate spaces for the Bregado Flax Educational Centre students in the interim, as they work on the damaged buildings; and Dr. Jeracki and his family (The Jerecki Foundation) has pledged 100 computers.
Minister Walwyn stated that several local companies who adopted schools have come forward and made donations in cash and/or in kind, including Harneys, Ogiers, Road Town Wholesale, Social Security Board and FLOW.
The Rotary Clubs were also mentioned.
“UNITE BVI has pledged their support to help complete repairs at the Bregado Flax Primary and Secondary schools on Virgin Gorda, and we are hoping for work to start very soon. They have also pledged approximately 500 Chrome Books (computers for senior students) which we expect to receive soon,” he said.
The Education Minister also spoke about the alumni of BVIHS, organized by Mr. Keith Malone, who had a clean-up campaign for the ESHS school campus yesterday, November 12.
“I would like to take this opportunity to reach out to other donors to assist us in this effort to have our young people back in school and moving forward. We need to ensure we take care of our future and these children are the future,” the Minister stated.
He said that the government also looks forward to receiving all the pledges and to work with everyone in making the education system even better.
