Bishop’s College aim to re-open next week

by EldontÉ Samuel

The sound of power saws cutting through materials, and the arrangement of boards, was audible on the premises of the Bishop’s College, Kingstown (BCK),as a final push was being made this week to get the institution ready for re-opening.

Students, teachers, the principal of the school, and construction workers were all engaged on Thursday, October, 24, 2024 to complete the painting and installation of the last set of tiles in preparation for the school’s reopening on Tuesday, October 28.

Teachers and students were assigned the responsibility of relocating stored furniture to the classrooms upon completion, as certain rooms still lacked furnishings, while the science lab required epoxy and tiling. Nevertheless, the BCK team expressed confidence that all preparations will be concluded to enable re-opening of the renovated , expanded school on Tuesday.

Students are temporarily housed at the Girls Guide Headquarters at Level Gardens, and at the former Kingstown Anglican School Annex. Several students who were present on Thursday ,expressed to SEARCHLIGHT their anticipation to return to the school premises, where they also anticipate a greater sense of comfort.

The repair work at the school began on Monday, August 12, 2024, with only 12 workmen. On Thursday, it appeared that there was an increase in the contingent of workers.

When SEARCHLIGHT visited the school’s premises just over two weeks later, Project Manager, Roy Stephens, from Argo Development Studios (ADS) Construction Inc., had a complement of 26 workers. There has been significant progress made in the renovations of the building which also now has a unique grey roof on the structure. During this week’s interview, Stephens elaborated on the structural weakness of the previous roof, that was extensively damaged during the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 1.

The previously damaged staff room has been restored, and will now feature a new shaded balcony, mirroring the design of other sections of the school.

Staff members from ADS were overseeing the rewiring of the structure, with the Roads Buildings and General Services Authority (BRAGSA), expected to handle the plumbing components of the reconstruction.