The Tribune

By RUPERT MISSICK JR

WHILE she believes the majority of schools on New Providence will be ready to open when school starts a week from now, Bahamas Union of Teachers President Belinda Wilson told The Tribune yesterday that she is concerned about the condition of a few schools in the Family Islands.

In one instance, Crooked Island High had to be rebuilt because it was destroyed during a hurricane last year.

“What the government has done is renewed the lease on the premises the school is currently utilising,” she said.

In Eleuthera, Gregory Town Primary was also destroyed by a hurricane, but Ms Wilson said that the teachers and students must unfortunately resign themselves to the continued use of the Lodge Hall for the time being.

“The Prime Minister asked for our patience because they will not rebuild Gregory Town Primary on the same spot because it is constantly suffers severe damage during hurricanes. They have or are currently identifying a new piece of property for a new school,” Ms Wilson said.

Ms Wilson said that she is very concerned about North Eleuthera High, which after being severely damaged in a fire before the Easter holiday, has not been repaired as yet.

“I was of the view that they were building a three classroom block to replace the one that was burnt down as well as the library, but nothing has happened,” he said.

Nevertheless, Ms Wilson said that she expects that most of the schools in the country will complete the majority of their repairs in time for the first day of school.