School burns down

Police are investigating the cause of a fire which almost burnt flat the Rousillac Hindu School in South Trinidad. The incident happened around 8.50 pm on Friday in which damage to the $1 million building was put at $900,000.

The school located at Grants Road and managed by the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, housed 231 pupils and is no longer fit for occupation. Police said MTS security guard, Ronald John, on duty at the school at the time, was alerted to the smell of smoke and on investigating, saw the roof at the back of the building on fire. John raised an alarm but by the time residents got to the school yard, the roof was ablaze. Police said they formed a bucket brigade and attempted to put out the fire. One of the cleaners who worked at the school, Chandra Dilip, attempted to salvage valuables from the principal’s office, but collapsed due to smoke inhalation. She was rushed to the San Fernando General Hospital where she was treated and discharged yesterday morning.

When firemen from Mon Repos Fire Headquarters, approximately ten miles away, responded, the flames had already engulfed the back portion of the building. Fire tenders from the Point Fortin Sub-Station also rushed to the scene and assisted in containing the blaze. The school which is 50 years old, was refurbished two years ago at a cost of $1 million. Six of the school’s 12 classrooms were gutted, including the principal’s office, teachers’ staff room, computer lab and kitchen. The value of fittings and equipment were put at $600,000. Police and fire investigators are working on two theories as to the possible cause of the fire.

Two weeks ago, a man walked into the school brandishing a meat cleaver (Chinese chopper). The man was arrested by police. The incident triggered a protest by teachers and parents who called for 24 hour security. An MTS security guard was posted. Yesterday, Sat Maharaj, Secretary General of the Maha Sabha, said he believed that the fire was electrical. There had been electrical fluctuation at the school which damaged computer equipment, he said. A claim against T&TEC for compensation, Maharaj said, has been made by the school’s principal, Savitri Ramgolam. Maharaj said that accommodation has been made at the Rousillac Hindu Mandir next to the school, to accommodate  the pupils. Classes will continue on Monday, Maharaj said. PRO of the school’s PTA, Dennis Tara, said every effort was being made to gather desks, tables, and equipment, from other nearby schools to accommodate the children who have been asked to attend classes at the mandir.