Last Updated on September 17, 2019, 11:12 PM AST by Anthony Morris
The mole-infested Estridge Primary School was given a “complete makeover” in 2016.
That is according to the St Kitts-Nevis Information Service (SKNIS) in a January 16, 2016 news release,
“The Ministry of Education has expressed its profound gratitude to Lonza’s People Extending A Caring Hand (PEACH) Project for their volunteer work in giving the Estridge Primary School a complete makeover. The volunteers put in a day’s work to paint classrooms, fix cupboards and set up a farm,” said the SKNIS news release, which added: “Jerry Pierrotte, Safety and Health Manager for Lonza in the United States, said that each year the company takes a trip to different islands and brings along its customers to be entertained for a few days.”
“He explained that in the process they spend a day at a local school to try to improve its quality. He said that Sunlink, the local destination management company, selected the primary school,” the SKNIS release added.
SKNIS stated Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, William V.A Hodge, said that his ministry is very appreciative that persons should take time out to volunteer in projects like these.
“I am the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, and for some persons giving up a day in your office to come out of the school to volunteer is not very important,” he said. “For me it is important. I don’t want to be there sitting and wondering what is happening in our schools. I decided to drop everything in my office and come out to give support to the head teacher Ms. Cannonier and her staff and of course the students.”
SKNIS said that Lonza is one of the world’s leading and most-trusted suppliers to the pharmaceutical, biotech and specialty ingredients markets. It harnesses science and technology to create products that support safer and healthier living and that enhance the overall quality of life.
Fast forward to Friday, 13 September, 2019 when on that date, the school was closed for cleaning due to reports of “deadly mold infestation.”
On Monday 16th September, the principal, Mercia Dore informed that teachers and students are to report for classes on Tuesday, 17th September and another round of tests would be conducted on Wednesday 18th September.
“Why allow the children and teachers to go back in the school before the all clear is given?” a concerned individual asked.
“Why expose the students and the teachers? The teachers and parents have been left in the dark all along. When will the principal, the education officials, the minister of education and the prime minister, who represents the area, show concern for the health of all of us – students, teachers and parents. The collusion and hiding the truth is not only dishonest, but an abuse of our human rights. The parents must be told the truth so that they can take the necessary action to ensure the good health of the students. The teachers need to know too. Have we become a heartless ministry and a heartless society?”
First reports that high levels of mold was present in the Estridge Primary School, of attempts to cover it up and hide it from the parents and teachers were made in multiple postings over a few days last week by a St Kitts and Nevis national studying in New York, who was also the first to inform the public that the school was going to be closed on Friday 13th.
A letter dated Thursday, 12 September, 2019 and signed by principal, Mercia Dore, informed parents and guardians “there will be no school tomorrow, Friday, 13th September 2019.This is to facilitate a clean up at the school.” No reason for the closure was given.
On Friday afternoon, an individual wearing a protective clothing was photographed at the entrance to the school. Pieces of wooden furniture lay on the ground outside.
There has been no statements on the mold situation at the Estridge Primary School from the Prime Minister, whose constituency the school is located, the Minister of Education, the Minister of Health and officials in those ministries.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
