School repair program delayed, but no major impact on reopening – BRAGSA

Except for one secondary institution, the late start to the school repair programme by the Roads, Buildings and General Services Authority (BRAGSA) is said to have not affected the reopening of schools yesterday.

A GRAMMAR SCHOOL STUDENT carries his desk to his classroom, while others stroll along the corridor when school reopened yesterday. (Photo by Robertson Henry)

A BRAGSA official told SEARCHLIGHT on Monday that the organisation was able to carry out its usual programme of minor work on the government assisted schools and major work on all government schools, except the Petit Bordel Multipurpose Centre.

The official said that workers made sure that all schools were functional while he also noted that there are some minor issues to be sorted, like painting and plastering that should not affect a school’s functioning.

It was also noted that the Girls’ High School (GHS) and the Thomas Saunders Secondary School (TSSS), which are temporarily located on the tarmac of the former E T Joshua airport had a septic tank issue but that was resolved on Sunday evening and the new setup is expected to hold up for the school term.

It had been reported on Monday by at least one media house that there had been issues with the bathrooms at the Emmanuel High School Mesopotamia (EHSM) but principal Curtis Greaves told SEARCHLIGHT that was “fake news”.

He said the bathrooms are functional and the school reopened without any hiccups other than some students who came to school without the proper uniform were sent home.

STUDENTS at Bishop’s College Kingstown relax outside their classrooms when school resumed yesterday. (Photo by Robertson Henry)

Apart from taking care of infrastructure, education officials are calling on students to take care of school furniture. Minister of Education Curtis King during a principals’ seminar held on August 29 at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus noted that there is a challenge in securing enough furniture for schools.

According to data from the Central Procurement Board, a total of 22 contracts were awarded to local individuals and businesses for the supply and delivery of additional furniture to schools across the country in September last year. The Ministry has repeatedly raised concerns about the financial cost to replace damaged furniture each school year.