The materials being used to rebuild the section of the Kingstown Government School, destroyed by fire on August 9, were credited from stores in Kingstown,{{more}} Minister of Works senator Julian Francis said on Tuesday.

Francis told listeners to his weekly radio programme that JAGS Construction Co., owned by John Greaves, had not received any money for the project, because the government was still finalizing the paper work.

He, however, said the school would be repaired in time for the new school year, on September 3.

The fire gutted the upper floor of the newest section of the school, where the principal’s office and Grade six classrooms were located.

Francis complimented the Ministry of Education and the construction firm for their efforts.

“Those of you who drive by there will be surprised to see the amount of work that has been done so far and there is 100 per cent guarantee that Stoney Ground – electrical, painting, everything on the structure, and the Ministry of Education working on the furniture — … will be all set by the weekend before school reopens,” he said.

He said the crew, which began working last week Thursday, was working “morning, noon, and night” and last weekend.

“I want to extend congratulations and encouragement to the work crew. I know you will be tired, but forget the tiredness for now. The job is to be done and get it ready for us for the weekend before school opens,” Francis said.

No hurricane material

He said there had been comments by some opposition members that the Government had used hurricane relief material to fix the school.

“There is nothing further from the truth, because this project started since last week Thursday. And the contractor, I know, has gone, even before he got mobilization money, and got credit for material from the stores in town to be able to start the project.

“In fact, I don’t think he received a single cent yet for the work that he is doing at Stoney Ground, as the paper work is being prepared as we speak.”

No shift system

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said on radio Wednesday that he had rejected a suggestion to have students at the school go on a shift system.

“I said, ‘Absolutely not.’ I said ‘We will make all the resources available to have the students back, everybody full time’.”

He said that there are sometimes delays on public sector projects.

“But this government is known, whenever there is an emergency, and there in fact is an emergency there (at the school), we moved with expedition. And I am very happy to see JAG construction, … the workers are working very quickly,” he said, adding that the firm has a history of speedy work and will get the job done on time.

(kentonchance@searchlight.vc)