More problems at primary school

THE EDITOR: Once again I crave your indulgence to please afford me a space in your column to express my grievances concerning the Diego Martin Government Primary School. Last term I wrote to you concerning a serious water problem, which due to your kind publicity has been successfully remedied and now the school is having a regular water supply. I wish to inform you of some of the ills affecting the school presently and which have been going on for some time now. Firstly, there is a lack of sufficient security guards at the school’s compound. At present there is only one guard present during school hours and it is very difficult for him to look after hundreds of children. The school needs about three guards. Also there is a short staff of cleaners to maintain this large school. The school is in need of furniture (eg benches, desk, tables, chairs etc). In some classes there are as many as four pupils at one desk and this is very uncomfortable for the pupils to do their work. A report was made since early last year for the school to receive some furniture but we haven’t received any as yet.

Another problem facing the school is electricity. Over 60 bulbs in the school are not working and the teachers have to teach in darkness, especially when the rain falls. This is a very poor condition to work under. Even the principal’s office has no light and the PA system is not working either. The telephone in the office only receives calls and the pay phone has been out of service for some time. So in case there is an emergency there is no phone available to use. Many reports have been made to TSTT but the matter has not been resolved. Please TSTT give our school a decent working phone.

Attempts were also made for an electrician to visit the school. One came and promised to come back but never did. Reports were also made to the Ministry, but nothing was done to rectify the problems. I am very disgusted with these problems facing our school and I hope by publishing my letter that the relevant authorities will take steps in order to solve these problems. I wish to thank the teachers for having so much patience in working with these conditions. Also I would like to thank you, the Editor for publishing my letter in advance and may you have a blessed day.

L ALI
Diego Martin