Some Tobago schools may not be ready says London

THA’s Secretary for Education, Orville London, warns that there are likely to be some glitches at the start of the new school year as a result of extensive renovations to some of the schools during the summer vacation.

He reported that there were problems faced during the exercise including the unavailability of material and some schools, chiefly the Belle Garden AC Primary and Scarborough Secondary schools, may not be ready for opening on September 2. He gave the assurance that contractors were working alongside the education division to fast track the process. London reported too that although contractors may have them ready by the end of August, the new Mason Hall and Scarborough Methodist Primary Schools will not be occupied until the end of September. He noted, however, that this was not likely to create any problems since ample accommodation had been arranged for the students.

“Considering that these are new schools, it is better that we create an environment that is not going to be one where the students and teachers could be disadvantaged and therefore we prefer to err on the side of caution.” he explained. On a more positve note, the Secretary said that the new Goodwood and Mason Hall Secondary schools were complete and ready for the new term but that they were trying to “fine tune” the transportation system. He was optimistic that the system will begin running smoothly within the first month or so. London will be meeting with school supervisors on Monday to discuss a preliminary update on the schools which was requested earlier last week.