Garcia investigates two schools after reports

Education Minister Anthony Garcia accompanied by ministry officials today visited St Phillip’s Government Primary School, and Hockett Baptist Primary School.

The visit came after the ministry received several reports of teacher walkouts and non-readiness at some of the nation’s schools.

In a release, Garcia said it was important to see first hand on some of the concerns that stakeholders were having with schools.

Garcia said at the St. Phillip’s school, some maintenance and restoration work needs to be done and the ministry will be meeting with parents and teachers to discuss the way forward.

He said the work needed at this school was slowed as the ministry had engaged in an assessment of the infrastructural strength of the facility.

“Hockett Baptist was proved to be in a state of readiness for teaching and learning when school reopened on Monday. With some fencing left over by the contractor who was on hand on Monday to complete and remove the material that was seen on site.” He continued, “The material left on the compound did not affect the safety of staff or students. This school received a new perimeter fence, was painted, staff room air conditioned and new water tanks installed as a part of the Laventille/Morvant Initiative.”

He said the ministry will continue to investigate all reports coming in and find the fastest resolution to avoid any breaks in teaching and learning time.