Farley: Schools remain closed in north Tobago

Several schools in north Tobago will remain closed on July 2 in areas where communication, power and road access remain limited after the passage of Hurricane Beryl.

Chief Secretary Farley Augustine revised his previous announcement on July 1 that all schools will reopen after a tour of the north and north-eastern end of the island, and following a discussion with Secretary Zia Hackett and public servants in the Division of Education, Research and Technology.

The schools that are closed are: Parlatuvier Anglican; L’Anse Fourmi Methodist; L’Anse Fourmi ECCE; Charlotteville Methodist; Charlotteville SDA Primary; Speyside High School; Speyside Anglican and Speyside ECCE.

In a separate statement, the education division also said Pentecostal Light and Life Foundation High School will be closed.

"Parlatuvier to L’Anse Fourmi still have challenges with telecommunications and so these three communities were unable to properly communicate with TEMA (Tobago Emergency Management Agency) during the course of the day and much of their issues have not made it into the TEMA database," Augustine said in a Facebook post.

"PTSC buses and large maxis going north of the island can only reach as far Bloody Bay at this time," he also said.

In its statement, the education division said electricity may not be fully restored by July 2, although T&TEC had been working to do so across the island.

"We understand the concerns this may cause, particularly as it relates to the safety and comfort of your children," the division said.

Tobago escaped severe damage from Beryl, a category 4 hurricane at the time it passed the island, but heavy rain and strong winds downed trees and blew roofs off houses in many areas.