Education Minister assures Althea Scatliffe will be rebuilt

Education Minister Sharie de Castro has confirmed that the Althea Scatliffe Primary School will be rebuilt at its original location, with the project now advancing through the design and planning phase in partnership with non-profit organisation Unite BVI.

“Definitely. I’m hoping that we’ll be able to give a very detailed response soon,” de Castro said during the Virgin Islands Voice radio broadcast.

She also confirmed that the government has signed an agreement with Unite BVI for the school’s reconstruction.

“Given our engagement with Unite BVI, who is our partner, in pursuit of the rebuild of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School, we do have an MOU. There is a process in place.”

“The design phase – we’re seeking to get to the end of that phase so that we can move forward and get things going and ultimately get to the construction phase,” she said. “But castings and approvals are being finalised, and very soon, I am hopeful that we will be able to come to the public with the design and ultimately move towards construction later sometime this year.”

De Castro also addressed public concern over whether the school would remain at its original location. “I want to reassure the public that the Althea Scatliffe Primary School will remain in its location. I know that we have gotten some concerns recently regarding the location. But rest assured, the school will be rebuilt in its location.”

She said the project is tied to a broader vision for the territory’s education sector. “Of course, by far, the edifice that will be built will really speak to a reimagined education system, which we speak about moving full steam ahead.”

The school, located in central Road Town, was shuttered in June 2022 after engineers found serious structural defects. It was demolished during the 2023 Easter break, leaving its former student body dispersed across campuses, including Enis Adams and Francis Lettsome.