Arima school closed

THE Arima Government Secondary School will remain closed today after an incident at the school yesterday in which 32 students fell ill on the school compound and had to be taken to the Arima Health Facility for treatment.

Newsday learnt that at about 10 am yesterday, a strange smell wafted in the school compound and students in Forms Two and Three — housed in the front part of the school — began showing a range of symptoms including difficulty breathing, coughing, fainting and vomiting.

The principal of the school called a meeting with staff and along with the School Supervisor, a decision was taken that in the interest of the students’ safety, classes would be dismissed at 11 am.

President of the TT Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) Clyde Permell said the union received a report about the incident at about 10.45 am yesterday. “There was no indication as to the cause of the particular smell,” Permell told Newsday.

He said TTUTA was a strong supporter of health and safety and preferred that a principal err on the side of caution and remove students from the compound. The vice principal accompanied the ill students to the hospital. One student was taken to the Arima facility in an ambulance while the other students were transported in a bus. Although all of the students were treated and discharged, a few were kept for a while at the medical facility for observation before being sent home.

A health inspector visited the school yesterday but could not determine the cause of the problem.

A team of health inspectors will go to the school today to conduct tests. In a release, the Education Ministry commended doctors, nurses and staff at the Arima facility for their prompt response in treating the children.

It said students have been advised to remain at home today and they will be notified about the date for the resumption of school.