The Lawrence T. Gay Memorial Primary School will remain closed for the rest of the week while the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training looks for an alternative venue.
The school, which is located at Spooner’s Hill, St Michael, was closed today and Ministry officials met with staff to hear their complaints and concerns.
Officials also met with representatives of the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Ministry of Labour and Social Partnership Relations. The latter Ministry continued investigations in the surrounding community today amidst complaints by staff and students of itchy skin and burning eyes. This will be an ongoing exercise.
At the conclusion of all meetings, Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, Santia Bradshaw, agreed that the school would be closed for the next two days and her Ministry would again engage the services of REA Environmental International to monitor and conduct air quality tests at the site. This requires samples being sent overseas.
Over the next two days, the Ministry will investigate possible locations to house the 496 students and staff of this school, starting with the Class 4 students.
Identifying a location requires space for school furniture, adequate bathrooms and serving area for lunch and security. There is also a need to transfer furniture and materials from the school to the new site and securing insurance for the duration of the occupation of the site.
Officials from the Ministry of Education will address parents of the school at a planned PTA meeting tomorrow, Thursday, at 5 p.m. at the nearby Grace Hill Moravian Church. (PR/SAT)