Garcia: St Phillip's students comfortable temporary location

EDUCATION Minister Anthony Garcia said students of St Phillip's Government Primary School are comfortable at their temporary accommodation at the CREDI building in Belmont as they await the construction of a new school.

"The children are receiving an education and the students are very happy."

He was responding to a protest by a few parents outside the site of the old school at Picton Road, Old St Joseph Road, Belmont. Kendell Cadore, who organised the protest and whose two children previously attended the school, told Newsday they want the school rebuilt and the children returned. He said the bus taking the children from the community to Belmont would leave children who may be running late and they would have to return home. He also said it would be easier for the single mothers to take their children to a school in the community and they believe a school is necessary for the community life.

Garcia, in a telephone interview, reported the school was seriously damaged after the August 2018 earthquake and was condemned by the Works Ministry. He reported that the RC Church accommodated the students at the CREDI building, an institution that offers indigenous academic programmes.

"I spoke to the principal today and I was informed since the move over, the student population has increased, students are very comfortable, and they are settled where they are. The students themselves are reluctant to move to another site."

He explained, there is a large playing field and air-conditioned classrooms. He added, the students enjoy the bus ride from the pick-up point to the school.

"A majority of parents are very cooperative and satisfied the curriculum is being implemented. They are also happy with the conditions (at the site)."

He said the accommodation at CREDI was a temporary measure until a new school is built. He reported there were challenges with the site and there was a consideration about whether it should be demolished or retrofitted. He said there was one view that the building can be regarded as a heritage site and should not be condemned.

"If the school has to be refurbished it will be too costly. The extent of the damage was really huge."

Garcia said the ministry is leaning towards construction of a new school and funds would have to be identified. He said the previous site is very small and does not offer any playground facilities.

"Most likely the school would be at another site."

He added it was difficult at this point to provide a timeline for the new school.