Grenadines parents urged to decide on schooling for their children

As parents and students await the reopening of schools, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves is calling on parents from the Grenadines to decide now, where they want their children to attend school.

He was speaking on NBC radio on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, weeks after two consultations with parents, one on the mainland, the other in Union Island, and the registration period conducted by the Ministry of Education.

Work is ongoing on the old teachers college in Arnos Vale, which is being repaired to house students from the Grenadines whose schools were destroyed by Hurricane Beryl.

With schools set to reopen on September 2, 2024, Gonsalves said some parents are yet to decide where there children will be going to school.

“They are just waiting…I don’t know why some of them not making the judgement call.”

The prime minister pointed out that “most schools are expected to be open on September 2, but some would be delayed”.

At present, there are 14 schools which are still being used as emergency shelters, and alternative accommodation is being sought for the occupants.

Last week, persons were moved out of six schools which were being used as shelters and placed in alternative accommodation.

“Work is being done on all the schools in St Vincent and the Grenadines,” Gonsalves explained.

The prime minister assured that in spite of the damage, work is being done to have the Union Island Secondary ready for the start of the new school year on September 2, 2024.

Gonsalves said the reopening of the Stephanie Browne Primary School on Union Island, may be delayed by one or two weeks.

He said the building at Arnos Vale earmarked to house students from three schools in the Grenadines, will be ready for September 2.

The Ministry of Education is also working to ensure that staffing, furniture and equipment are in place at schools in time for the reopening.

Gonsalves said as well that the Ministry of National Mobilization is assisting students with uniforms and school supplies.