Decision on whether to rebuild ASPS yet to be made

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has indicated that there may be little delay in deciding whether the Althea Scatliffe Primary School (ASPS) structure will be demolished and rebuilt.

The educational institution was shuttered abruptly back in June after a structural analysis of the school found that the building was unsafe for occupancy due to issues of structural integrity. It has since been determined that, for the upcoming school term, students of the school will be dispersed among various other school campuses across Tortola.

Previously, Education Minister Sharie Decastro said a further assessment was being done on the building to determine whether the school will be rebuilt or remodelled and more information will be provided following that assessment. However, Dr Wheatley told reporters at a recent press conference that he anticipates that the government will be dealing with the issue in the next few months and will be treating it as a pressing matter.

“We’re going to have to make that decision pretty quickly because, of course, we will move swiftly to to get the school rebuilt with loan funds. We’ll have to get loan funds to get it rebuilt,” the Premier said.

He added: “Not only will that decision be made but we’re going to have to advance getting designs and going through our procurement process.”

Premier Wheatley also drew reference to the ongoing construction work being done at the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS), and said persons have commented that they would like to see the same rapid approach used when it comes to the execution of the ASPS project.

“So it’s a priority for us. It’s urgent and we want to move forward very quickly,” Premier Wheatley said while noting that the Education Minister will provide more details on the issue soon.