The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

CONTRACTS for all school repairs have been issued on Grand Bahama and Bimini with work already being carried out in preparation for the new school year, according to State Minister for Grand Bahama Senator Kwasi Thompson.

“The scopes were approved by the Ministry of Education and were done with the full involvement and participation of the principals,” he said.

“The Ministry of Education is working diligently to complete all repairs on time for the opening of school.”

The Eight Mile Rock High School has been plagued with major structural and plumbing issues.

However Frazette Gibson, area vice president of Bahamas Education Managerial Union, said that mould has not been a reoccurring issue at the institution.

“I am pleased to report that there has been no mould reoccurring at the institution, but they do have the regular plumbing issues,” she said.

Mrs Gibson also noted repairs are needed for the air-conditioning unit in the school’s gymnasium.

“The gymnasium is also used as a hurricane shelter, and I understand that it is on the scope of works this year at the school, and assessments have been done,” she said.

In Freeport, Mrs Gibson reported that St Georges’ High School is experiencing issues with roof leaks in their corner classrooms. She has been informed that the government has contracted an engineer with a view to resolving the leaks.

She reported the roof at the Sister Mary Patricia Junior High School is also leaking, particularly in the library.

Mrs Gibson stated she will continue her walk-through of the other schools next week.

She stated structural repairs are underway at the Walter Parker Primary.

“We are glad that structural issues are being addressed there,” she added. “We expect to conduct further walk-throughs at schools next week.”

Mrs Gibson said BEMU wants to ensure the school environment is conducive for administrators, principals, and students. “We are happy that work has started, and are confident that schools should be ready for opening in September,” she said.