Thirty-five schools across Barbados are set to undergo major structural upgrades this summer as the Ministry of Education Transformation launches a wideranging school improvement programme.
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Thirteen of them have closed their doors early, ahead of the official summer break, to give contractors a head start on the works. By the time the full holiday period begins, the remaining schools will have been folded into the programme, bringing the total to 35.
Yesterday at Grantley Prescod Memorial Primary School in The Pine, and Deacons Primary School in Deacons, both in St Michael, contractors were on site but no principal or staff members were present at the time a NATION team visited. At Christ Church Girls’ School, the principal was on the compound, but declined to comment on the progress of the works.
Wayne Baker, director of the Education Technical Management Unit of the ministry, in a release stated the early closures were a deliberate decision to maximise the window for works. He outlined specific rehabilitation already under way at two schools. At Grantley Prescod Primary, old asbestos-style test ceilings in the hall, classrooms and corridors are being replaced with PVC board ceilings, alongside repairs to spalling on the compound.
At Deacons Primary, the focus is on the eastern block, where ageing louvre windows are being swapped out for island bed windows. “They are hurricane-resistant and solve the problem of rain coming into the rooms,” Baker explained.
Across all 13 schools, roof sheeting is also being upgraded. The standard sheets will be replaced with whitecoated alternatives, a change Baker said will have a direct impact on comfort.
“These sheets will help to reduce heat in the classrooms, thereby creating more comfortable environments for students and staff.”
External walls, rails and doors will also receive a fresh coat of paint to improve the overall look of each school.
The upgrades go beyond cosmetic improvements. The ministry said the full programme will deliver greater structural and climate resilience, enhanced health and safety features, and improved air quality and natural ventilation across the 35 schools.
(DDS)