Garcia: Stakeholders working to fix Carapichaima secondary

JULIEN NEAVES

EDUCATION Minister Anthony Garcia says stakeholders are working to map out a plan to resolve issues at the Carapichaima East Secondary School which remains closed.

The school had been closed since the term started on January 8 and the TT Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) said teachers are staying away because of health and safety concerns over a pigeon infestation at the school.

TTUTA head Lynsley Doodhai previously told Newsday teachers have been experiencing respiratory and skin problems because of the infestation. Newsday also received a copy of a Health Ministry report that the roofs and ceilings of five blocks were in a state of disrepair.

Garcia, speaking during a telephone interview yesterday, reported there was a meeting last week about the situation at the school with all stakeholders including TTUTA, the National Parent Teachers’ Association, the principal and school supervisors.

“We are mapping out a plan for a speedy resolution of the problem.”

Garcia said the major issue is the plant and one of the areas they have to discuss is refurbishment of a large number of buildings.

“The school has been in operation for a number of years and plant itself deteriorated. We are trying to bring it back to where it is acceptable.”

Asked about reports that some of the teachers had taken ill Garcia said this had not been brought to his attention.

NPTA President Raffiena Ali-Boodoosingh told Newsday yesterday parents were very concerned that their children have been home for this term and especially being so close to exams. She also pointed out that children are preparing for their school based assessments (SBAs) which is 40 per cent of their mark. She said some teachers had made arrangements to oversee the SBAs.

“The children are losing their education time. The children are losers right now.”

She advised parents not to send their children to school because it is closed and they do not want teenagers idle on the road.

Ali-Boodoosingh recalled at the meeting the PTA expressed concern that the school just did not get to that state overnight but had deteriorated over a number years. She said they questioned whether there had been reporting by any former principals.

She said the NPTA has to work with the Education Ministry which has to find the money to do the work.

“We know the government is strapped for money. We are trying to be understanding.”

She said the issue is receiving the minister’s attention and she knows he is very concerned.