St Andrews’s Anglican Primary closed due Infrastructure Issues
St. Andrew’s Anglican Primary School had to remain closed for a significant portion of the new school term, a direct result of ongoing infrastructure issues. Minority Leader Kelvon Morris expressed deep disappointment, highlighting persistent problems like rat infestations and mould buildup, despite substantial school repair programs conducted in both 2022 and 2023.
Minority Leader Morris publicly questioned the Tobago House of Assembly (THA)’s care and concern regarding these recurring disruptions affecting the school population. These challenges have raised serious questions about the overall state of the school’s infrastructure and the effectiveness of previous repair efforts.
Morris also accused the Secretary of Education, Research and Technology, Zorisha Hackett, of not being accountable to the public concerning these issues.
TTUTA Tobago Officer Bradon Roberts commented on the situation, noting that the closure involves unresolved issues from the previous term that have now spilled over into the current term, creating a two-fold challenge for the school. While the division is aware of the problems, and officials from OSHA and Health have visited the school, Roberts expressed disappointment that the term is starting with struggles to maintain educational continuity at St. Andrew’s Anglican Primary School.
Meanwhile, Morris pointed out that school repairs are not limited to one school in Tobago. Many other educational institutions, including Scarborough Secondary and Light and Life, are also dealing with significant repair issues, despite a year-long effort to address lingering problems across the island.
The closure of St. Andrew’s should serve as a stark reminder of the persistent difficulties educational institutions in Tobago face in ensuring a secure and suitable learning environment for both students and staff.
