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by pltm
(PLTM) - Minister of Education, Culture and Youth Affairs and Territorial At-Large Representative Hon. Sharie de Castro said that the Ministry is awaiting updates from further inspections done on the Althea Scatliffe Primary School building after it was rendered “structurally unsound” last week.
“The team went in last week and did an assessment on the building. The follow-up to those assessments [have not yet occurred]. They are additional inspections that need to be done that will speak to if the building can be remodeled and fixed, or whether there is a need for demolition,” Hon. de Castro stated yesterday evening at a public consultation meeting at the Watch House in Fahie Hill.
Hon. de Castro also indicated that after the after the assessment has been completed, her Ministry would be in a better position to provide timelines and details on the requisite funding for the reopening of the building – if this proves to be a viable option.
The Education Minister also mentioned that various strategies and approaches have been considered to ensure that the issue is rectified as soon as possible.
“What I can say is that the Ministry is working assiduously to ensure that in September, the students and staff are well placed, and in a position to have in-person school,” she announced.
A report that was submitted to the Ministry of Education, Culture and Youth Affairs outlined the concerns with the structure and advised that all schooling be conducted at a different location.
As a result, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Youth Affairs in press statement revealed that “Based on this information, the Ministry agrees that the best option is to err on the side of caution by prioritising the safety of our students, faculty, and staff. As such, a decision has been made to close the building effective Friday, 17th June 2022 at 4:30 p.m. until further notice to ensure the safety of all.”
The principal was also advised to remove all personal items belonging to staff and students from the building.
Another related issue to what was regarded as an abrupt closure of the school, is the disruption in the labour force and its implication on national levels of productivity.
Reports reaching BVI Platinum News confirm that some parents had to resort to working remotely or staying home to look after their children as the school moved to online classes.
