-
by pltm
(PLTM) - Premier and Minister for Finance Hon. Andrew Fahie has pledged to give the education sector the attention it deserves in this upcoming budget cycle.
The Finance Minister made it clear during his budget presentation at the House of Assembly on November 11, that several million have been set aside to build, renovate or improve several school buildings territory-wide.
“Mr. Speaker, education will get the attention it long deserves, and Mr. Speaker this will not be another talk shop. Most of our buildings are decades old and were not adequately maintained over the years. To make matters worse they were battered by Hurricanes Irma and Maria and in some cases, schools were left unfit for occupancy. Your government in this 2022 budget will ensure that our schools get top priority,” he pledged.
The Finance Minister stated that in 2021, his administration conducted repairs to the Ivan Dawson Primary, Leonora Delville Primary, Robinson O’Neal Memorial, Jost Van Dyke and Bregado Flax Educational Center Secondary Division and that the work will continue in the coming year.
He said $8.5 million has been allocated for school upgrades through the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA).
He said the redevelopment of the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) will move forward and this will include constructing classrooms and supporting facilities to provide a modern campus for learning and development for students.
“Just over $7 million is already allocated for the initiative in the 2022 budget. All students and teachers will finally be moving from the Clarence Thomas Ltd Building to the ESHS Campus where they belong and in proper facilities in time for the 2022/2023 school year,” he stated.
Another major undertaking is the Isabella Morris Primary School.
He said demolition works commenced on the educational facility and some $200,000 have been allotted to fund, design development of engineering works for the construction and development of a new, modern facility with smart and safe standards to ensure a resilient and functional school for the children and teachers of Carrot Bay and neighbouring communities.
He added: “when completed, it will be known as the Isabella Morris Junior High School. Our intent, led by the Minister of Education is to ensure a few junior schools are built throughout the territory and this will be the first one.”
Other Schools
Premier Fahie said for the Jost Van Dyke Primary, $400,000 has been budgeted for the start of a modern school building for that island.
He said there are some persons who have pledged funds for the rest of the project.
Another major undertaking is the redevelopment of the Special needs school, the Eslyn Henley Richez Learning Centre.
He informed that $800,000 has been assigned in the budget to restore the facility with smart and safe standards.
He also said the sum of $50,000 has been earmarked for the Virgin Gorda based Bregado Flax Educational Center to restore its functionality and more will be issued if needed.
Additionally, $2 million from local funding will be available for rehabilitation and remedial works on schools throughout the territory.
He also mentioned that his administration will be setting up virtual classrooms to accommodate students in this COVID-19 era by March 2022 and schools supplies allotment have increased by $255,000 from last year.
There have been protest actions held by educators on Jost Van Dyke, Anegada and Tortola who felt that the school environment had been neglected for too long.
