OROPOUCHE SCHOOL SLIPPING INTO RIVER

Parents and students of the North Oropouche RC Primary School in Sangre Grande held a demonstration  outside the school, over the deplorable conditions existing at the school earlier this week. They are calling for a new school, as they claim that the current building was constructed in 1914 and was supposed to be a temporary accommodation.

Donna Maria Williams, spokesperson for the schools’ Parents Teachers Association, told Newsday the school was to be rebuilt 30 years ago, but “they only come and patch up the school like some old pants.” She complained that the classrooms werecramped, there was poor ventilation and a leaking roof, the furniture was insect-infested and, worst of all, there were landslides threatening the school. She claimed  that the school might soon end up in the nearby Oropouche River. Williams and other parents insisted that the school should be closed immediately, because of the dangerous conditions. She explained that when it rained heavily, the compound and infants building were flooded. Reptiles were found in the cupboards and caimans were seen in the flooded waters. “It is unsafe for the children she said.”

Recent heavy rains have caused numerous landslides along the eastern side of the school building forcing the playground to be blocked off, as a safeguard for the children. Williams also said that rains forced the children to stay home to allow for the school to be sprayed and cleaned. She said the matter was extremely frustrating, especially for parents and students who were preparing for the SEA exams on March 17. Williams said several letters expressing concern were sent to the Catholic Education Board, the Ministry of Education and Member of Parliament, Roger Boynes, but they have all “fallen on deaf ears,” as there had been no response.

Mervyn Critchlow, communications specialist at the Ministry of Education, said he could not comment and was unable to look into the matter. Sr Catherine McComie, secretary to the Catholic Education Board — primary schools, told Newsday they had been lobbying the ministry for a number of years to have the school rebuilt farther away from the river. She said the structure of the school was changed to make students more comfortable, and the board was trying to see how best they could deal with the problems, since the students cannot be moved as there will no large community centre or building to relocate them.