The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama’s public schools are ready for opening on Wednesday, despite bad weather over the weekend brought on by Tropical Storm Erika.

Dr Michael Darville, minister for Grand Bahama, confirmed yesterday that all the contractors had completed repairs to the schools on the island. The government has spent $1m on school repairs on Grand Bahama, and thousands of students are expected to return to school tomorrow.

Two weeks ago, Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald, accompanied by Dr Darville, toured the schools to check on the progress of repairs on the island.

He was assured that repairs would be completed in time for school opening, however this was delayed due to the storm. On Sunday evening, Grand Bahama experienced heavy rains and thunderstorms.

“Although the work was done satisfactorily, we had some bad weather and I will need to do a pass around the schools today (Monday) to make sure that there wasn’t any damage from (Sunday) night’s weather,” Dr Darville told The Tribune yesterday.

He said major repair work was completed at the Eight Mile Rock High School, where extensive renovations were carried out to the Science Block as a result of severe mould infestation, pigeon faeces and a leaky roof.

“All schools are up and ready to go, and particular emphasis was placed on the EMRHS’ Science Block, which is also completed,” Dr Darville said.

“The work crew is there cleaning up the building now. They were scheduled to do it on the weekend but were unable to do so because of bad weather.”

Dr Darville said students and teachers can expect to return to classrooms and an environment conducive to learning.

Grand Bahama police are also advising parents to ensure that their children are safe while walking to and from school.

Inspector Terecita Pinder said children should cross the street with an adult and should always use a pedestrian crossing; never run out into the streets or cross in between parked cars; and always make sure when disembarking from a bus, to walk in front of the bus where the bus driver can see them.

She said parents should teach children their full name, address, and phone number, and how to use the emergency numbers (911/919) in case of an emergency.

“Walk the neighbourhood with your children, show them safe places they can go in an emergency situation,” she said.