The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama Minister Dr Michael Darville is extremely pleased with public school repairs on the island and said that a consultant was appointed to oversee all work carried out.

Dr Darville accompanied Education Jerome Fitzgerald on a two-day tour and inspection of schools last week.

He anticipates no major problems at the opening of school on August 31. He noted that the government hired Sean Farrington of Diamond Consultants, an engineer, to oversee all school repairs on the island.

“We are very pleased with the work at Jack Hayward Junior High, and we are pleased that all the schools‘ repair is going extremely well,” he said.

The Ministry of Education has spent $1m for school repairs in Grand Bahama.

“I am certain all students will be back to school in facilities that are ready and I want to thank Minister Fitzgerald and the entire team who have worked very closely this year to solve some of the complicated infrastructure in the primary and secondary schools,” said Minister Darville.

“We invested substantial money to ensure that students and teachers have access to good infrastructure so that they can function in a conducive environment for learning.

Dr Darville said major issues are being addressed at the Eight Mile Rock High School.

“I want to let staff, teachers, and parents to know that we understand the issues at the Science Block and are fully aware of the renovations that must to take place. The contractors are on site now and we expect work would be finished in less than two weeks,” he said.

Before students can occupy the classrooms at Eight Mile Rock High, the Department of Environment Health will visit the Science Block to ensure that it is safe, and all the initial health issues –mould infestation, pigeon faeces, and a leaking roof – have been addressed.