PM, Union Island residents discuss relocation of students

THE PURCHASE of school supplies, accommodation, and work commitments for single parents are some of the concerns voiced by Union Island residents who attended a consultation on the planned relocation of students affected by Hurricane Beryl.

More than 100 displaced Grenadines residents, as well as a number of stakeholder ministries convened in a near three-hour consultation on July 24, 2024, to discuss plans for the upcoming September school term, in addition to other concerns.

UNION ISLAND RESIDENTS at the consultation on the planned relocation of students affected by Hurricane Beryl.

The Ministry of Education estimates that around 477 students, and approximately 75 teachers will have to be accommodated on mainland St Vincent due to the extensive damage the Southern Grenadines experienced from the hurricane. Parents and guardians were invited to share their views at the meeting which was held at the Kingstown Methodist Church Hall.

Education Minister, Curtis King told the gathering the relocation will not only focus on the students, but also on a parent and teachers.

“Where teachers are concerned, teachers will be here and if we require more teachers, we employ more teachers.”

He said the ministry has already commenced work on the new site, the old Teacher’s College in Arnos Vale and with adequate work, the building will be able to house all displaced students from the Mary Hutchinson Primary School, the Stephanie Browne Primary School, and the Union Island Secondary School. Minister King also said the site is equipped with computer and science labs and a hard court.

“We are aware also that persons came here with some apprehension with regards to how this thing is going to work out for them. There will always be certain challenges that will come up,” King told parents and guardians. He stressed that the likelihood of students being schooled in Union Island is slim as clean up is still ongoing, and added that water, electricity, and telecommunications services will not yet be fully restored.

“Those schools in Union Island are not in the same condition as those in Canouan that can be repaired in time for September at the opening at school. Union [Island] is really ground zero because conditions there are not habitable,” he emphasised.

“Considering all these things, the Ministry of Education is of the view, the best option is to bring our children to St Vincent, not to live forever, but to continue their education here while we rebuild and fix the schools.”

While there were no outright objections to the proposal outlined by the government, contributions from parents questioned how the issue of schooling will be sorted for parents who are employed full time in the Grenadines.