The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE rebuilding process has started at St Paul's Methodist College campus, which closed several years ago due to major infrastructural damage that made it unsafe.

The school, which was located on Clive Avenue in Grand Bahama, fell into a state of disrepair which resulted in the relocation of the institution to the former Royal Palm Resort building.

SPMC is one of the oldest premier private schools on the island, having been in existence for the past 51 years.

It was a devastating blow for students, teachers and parents when the school was forced to move due to significant infrastructural damage that made the campus unsafe.

While driving in the area on Wednesday, The Tribune noticed work was underway at the old campus site on Clive and Hudson Avenues.

Support beams have been installed along the upper and lower floors to strengthen the existing porch structure and classrooms and offices have been gutted.

The Tribune contacted the school for an update about the rebuilding process, but was referred to Superintendent Rev Kenneth Lewis, who did not return calls up to press time.

The school now operates out of the closed Royal Palm Resort. Last October, the old campus building was damaged even further by Hurricane Matthew.

St Paul's opened in the mid-1960's providing elementary and secondary education to Bahamians, and has produced many of the country's brightest minds.

An event has been held to raise money for the rebuilding.

In February, the school held a night of jazz as the first fundraising event.