Public and private schools in Anguilla are the recipients of a total of thirty-one fire extinguishers. A handing over ceremony was held in the Executive Council Chambers on Tuesday, February 4.
Director of Disaster Management, Melissa Meade, said there was a need to cultivate a sense of safety within the learning environment. “I believe a safe environment will stimulate learning, and place at ease parents, guardians, teachers and even emergency responders because they are aware that something is in place to protect the children,” she stated.
Governor Alistair Harrison noted that while there was a constant awareness of preparations for hurricanes, it was important to ensure the safety of children at schools from fire. He observed that fire was a risk to everyone and was pleased that his office, Suresh Bhalla, (an investor in Anguilla), and the Starwood Opportunity Fund, had contributed towards the provision of the fire extinguishers.
Chief Education Officer, Rhonda Connor, described the contribution of the safety equipment as timely. She was pleased that the Education Department was part of the handing over ceremony and to receive the fire extinguishers on behalf of the children and teachers of the schools. She said that safety at schools had been given much attention for some time now and discussions were held with the Department for Disaster Management (on evacuation plans and other matters), as well with the Fire Department on fire drills and other safety exercises.
Representative of Starwood Opportunity Fund, Mrs Sandra Richardson, said the principals were pleased to have assisted in creating a safer environment at the schools. “We applaud the efforts of the Department of Disaster Management in handing over these extinguishers to the schools,” she stated. “We are also pleased that we were able to assist in making this donation possible.”
Starwood Opportunity Fund is associated with the KOR Group, a fully-integrated real estate investment, development and management firm which was contracted by the Viceroy Project in 2011.
