Rat-ache at C.W. Prescod

First it was for four days, then another five, now uncertainty looms if the students and staff of the C W Prescod Primary School will return to classes before the end of the term.{{more}}

A further inspection of the compound by officials of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health and the Environment is expected today Friday, June 29.

The school, located at the eastern end of capital Kingstown was declared unfit by health officials on Monday, June 18, after it was discovered that an inordinate number of rats was present on the compound, causing the suspension classes until Monday, June 25.

In the interim, the school’s compound was baited and the furniture and other areas of the premises were sanitized.

However, when students and the staff turned up last Monday, health personnel were still busy with their baiting exercise, while there were sightings of rat droppings and the stench of presumably dead rats was evident, forcing a further closure.

The decision was then taken by education officials who visited the institution last Monday that the Kindergarten and Grade 6 students would not be required to report to school for the two weeks that remain in the term.

With the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Union (SVGTU) fully involved in the matter, their team led by President Otto Sam, thought that it was unsafe to have the students and teachers exposed to the potential dangers of the rodents.

Public Relations Officer of the SVGTU Oswald Robinson told SEARCHLIGHT on Tuesday following another visit to the school, “The building is in no state of readiness; we from the teachers union have asked the teachers to remain at home until we have received reports from the Ministry of Health; then we would have made our assessments when it is safe for the students and the teachers to return”.

In a June 2, 2006, issue of SEARCHLIGHT, it was reported that Kingstown had a problem of rat infestation because of improper disposal of waste.

The report said that there was a presence of the Norway species, which colonise drains, alleys and abandoned buildings. It was reported then that one female can produce a dozen young ones.

Reports are that it is that same species that has caused the incursion at the C W Prescod.

It was unclear what the major causes of this infestation are, but the school, which has a population of over 800 students and 45 teachers, has on its premises, two outlets where food is served.

In addition, heavy construction is taking place in close proximity to the school, which has seen a build up of debris in a nearby river in recent times.

Another stream runs on the eastern side, parallel to the school.

Apart from the regular classes, the school is also used for evening classes as well as for camps and other community functions.

The Ministry of Education has declared a zero tolerance on rodents at its institutions.

The C W Prescod Primary School is the second educational institution that has been hit by rodent invasion in recent times. The Sion Hill Government School was closed for the same reason a few months ago.