Lynch buildings ‘an eyesore’

Former Minister of Labour Rawle Eastmond has urged Government to “clear the air” on plans for the closed City buildings once used by Louis Lynch Secondary School.“The buildings have been closed for over four years and have become something of an eyesore,” Eastmond told the DAILY NATION yesterday.“It is high time that the Government issue a definitive statement on what it will do with the property. “It also needs to clear the air on the health and safety of the buildings and the general area, given the concerns expressed by many and the scientific tests that were carried out because of those concerns.”Eastmond was Minister of Labour and chairman of the Sub-Committee of the Social Partners that in 2006 called for – and achieved – the closure of the Whitepark Road complex.The sub-committee had recommended that despite what the scientists said, out of an abundance of caution, all teaching and extra-curricular activities at Louis Lynch School should be suspended with immediate effect to protect the health of all concerned.The scientific tests were conducted after many staff and pupils complained of burning eyes, itching skin and dizziness.While some people felt the laundry cleaning agent PERC and gasoline were among the culprits, the scientists said the absolute levels of both chemicals were low and well within international limits.Two years ago Minister of Education and Human Resource Development Ronald Jones announced that the Whitepark compound was no longer an option for education and he was handing the  property over to the Ministry of Housing and Lands – Government’s property manager.Government officials said yesterday that no final decision had been taken on the future of the Whitepark Road complex.Meantime, Member of Parliament for the City of Bridgetown, Patrick Todd, said yesterday that whatever the building was used for Government would need to be satisfied that the place was safe for people to occupy. (TY)