Montrose Vedic protests on hold

“We are giving the Ministry some breathing room before we protest again,” said Larry Dilchan, President of the school’s Parent Teacher Association who has been leading the charge to have the school relocated to the National Enrichment Centre in Carlsen Field while the Ministry sought a solution to the infestation of insects and vermin at the school. “The Ministry and EFCL (Education Facilities Company Limited visited the Enrichment Centre on Wednesday and they said that it is a suitable location.” However, before granting approval for the relocation, permission will have to be given by the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services which controls the building and a certificate of completion for the building needs to be sourced. According to Dilchan, the Ministry also wants to assess the state of the sewerage system and conduct repairs on the air-condition units, “but these problems are nothing that cannot be easily rectified.” The parents began their protest outside the school compound last Tuesday following months of inaction by the Ministry of Education to alleviate the problem of microscopic insects in their school. The insect bites students and teachers alike, many of whom have developed skin rashes and fallen ill with headaches and nausea.

The protest escalated last Friday when parents and students gathered outside the Parliament.

While school remains suspended, arrangements are being made for the Standard Five students to still be taught by well-meaning teachers. However, most teachers refused to teach students at any location not approved by the Ministry of Education.