Remedial works ongoing at some schools

Education Minister Sharie de Castro has indicated that remedial works have begun at some of the territory’s public schools, ahead of the 2023-2024 academic year.

While on a recent tour of public schools, de Castro said it was evident that school infrastructure has suffered maintenance issues for quite some time.

“We are diligently working on a rigorous schedule of maintenance and rehabilitation works during the summer months to address as many issues as practically possible,” the Education Minister said.

Acting Deputy Secretary in the Ministry, Claude Kettle, said the remedial work was focused on addressing critical maintenance needs such as water tightness, mold remediation, electrical and plumbing works.

Kettle said the first project, which had been completed by July 31, was a contract issued to Cecil Penn Construction Limited to replace the roof of the Claudia Creque Educational Centre on Anegada.

Kettle explained that a bid is out for the replacement of the awning at the Ivan Dawson Primary School, as well as a contract for metal works for the repairs to walkway rails and the repairs to the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School entrance gate.

Other ongoing and planned remedial works include water tighting at Alexandrina Maduro Primary School via Garner Abraham Construction; upgrades and painting at Leonora Delville Primary School by the ministry’s maintenance team; restroom and facility improvements at Joyce Samuel Primary School handled by ABSTR Construction; planned repairs and upgrades at Willard Wheatley Primary School; and the pending bidding process for roof and electrical repairs at Enid Scatliffe Pre-Primary School.

The Education Ministry said that in addition to government-funded school rehabilitation and maintenance, there have been investments by the private sector, including Unite BVI, which has made a donation towards the installation of a playground and basketball court at the Francis Lettsome Primary School.

The North Sound Fund will be resurfacing the Robinson O’Neal Memorial Primary School courtyard and will be contributing to other remedial works. There will be the installation of a playground at the school as well as at the Bregado Flax Educational Centre (Primary Division).