Schools re-open after Hurricane Tomas

Schools that were not used as shelters during the passage and aftermath of Hurricane Tomas were opened yesterday, Monday, November 8, while those used as shelters are expected to be opened later this week.{{more}}

This was announced by Minister of Education, Girlyn Miguel, at a press conference on Friday, November 5, at the conference room of the Ministry of Transport and Works.

Miguel stated that several schools that were used as shelters will be cleaned and ready, and fully operational at the end of the week. Another announcement would disclose exactly when the schools will open.

Chief Education Officer Lou-Anne Gilchrist stated that the schools which are being used as shelters include the Chateaubelair Methodist School, the Buccament Bay Secondary, Lowmans Leeward Anglican, Lodge Village Primary, Tourama Government School, George Stephens Senior Secondary School and the Fitz Hughes Government School.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Nicole Bonadie-Baker further explained that several schools were damaged due to the passing of the hurricane. Schools such as the Georgetown Primary and Secondary schools, the Troumaca Ontario Government School and the Georgetown Technical Centre roofs were damaged. It was reported that the North Union Secondary School and the New Adelphi Secondary School suffered minor damage.

Bonadie-Baker added that the Ministry of Education is working along with BRAGSA, who is attending to the damages.

“The BRAGSA is already on board with the Ministry of Education and is already addressing these impacts which we suffered to the structural components of our institutions,” Bonadie-Baker said.

Minister Miguel also reminded Vincentians to reflect on the passing of Hurricane Tomas and begin to heed the warnings of the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO). She stated that persons must walk with a disaster kit whenever they are going to a shelter.

“I want to reiterate what NEMO has been saying, that the standard operating procedure for persons moving to shelters during a national disaster such as a hurricane is required to take a disaster kit,” Miguel said.