Garcia visits two schools

The visit came after the ministry received several reports of teacher walkouts and non-readiness at some schools.

In a media release, Garcia said it was important to see first hand some of the concerns stakeholders were having with schools.

He said, at the St. Phillip’s school some maintenance and restoration work need to be done and the ministry will be meeting with parents and teachers to discuss the way forward. He said the work needed at this school was slowed as the ministry had engaged in an assessment of the infrastructural strength of the building.

“Hockett Baptist was proved to be in a state of readiness for teaching and learning when school reopened on Monday with some fencing left over by the contractor who was on hand on Monday to complete and remove the material. “The material left on the compound did not affect the safety of staff or students.

“This school received a new perimeter fence, was painted, staff room air conditioned and new water tanks installed as a part of the Laventille/Morvant Initiative.” He said the ministry will continue to investigate all reports coming in and find the fastest resolution to avoid any breaks in teaching and learning time.