After having been infested with rats, bats, and in a state of disrepair over a year ago, the Adrian T. Hazel Primary School is now boasting a new and spacious eight-classroom block which was dedicated on Tuesday this week, November 10.
The ribbon was cut by Mrs. Dorothy Hazell, widow of the late Principal, Mr. Adrian Hazell, after whom the school is named.
Minister of Education and Social Development, Evans McNiel Rogers, said the school’s redevelopment project “was conceptualised based on the need to provide more space, updated facilities and amenities for the students – as well as to address health and safety issues that consistently plagued the school…with the largest student population.” He explained that the long term vision “is a modern two-storey facility – built in four phases along the northern and eastern perimeter of the existing premises – with adequate parking and expanded space for sports.” He saw the new block as “only a first, but important, step in the realisation of the vision.”
Minister Rogers, a former teacher at the school, was grateful to a number of persons who were instrumental in bringing the first phase of the project to fruition. They included Governor Christina Scott whom he requested to convey the Anguilla Government’s gratitude to the UK Government for making the funds available. He was also grateful to the former AUM administration of Anguilla, personnel in the Ministry of Infrastructure, especially the Project Manager, Mr. Rawle Hazell, for his oversight of the project; the contractor, Mr. Bernard Carty and his team; and the Principal, staff, students and parents for their patience and understanding.
Mr. Curtis Richardson, a former student at the school, and a past educator in Anguilla, said in part: “The new block provides new facilities and a much-improved learning environment for students…Modern facilities improve not only the school’s physical environment, but also its learning culture. I therefore commend all who served and learned here at my Alma Mater in the spirit of excellence with what we had. I also applaud those who now serve and learn in the new and improved facilities.”
The Minister observed that the school had produced a host of educators ranging from the Chief Education Officer to principals and teachers. He noted that four Ministers of Education in six years – Mr. Edison Baird, Mr. Jerome Roberts, former Chief Minister, Hubert Hughes, and now Mr. McNiel Rogers – had been involved in the new wing of the school. He highly commended Mrs. Chanelle Petty Barrett, Permanent Secretary, Education, for her hard work; Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Rhonda Connor, for her oversight; the school’s Management Committee, personnel at the Department of Infrastructure, the contractor and the principal, teachers, students and parents.
“I hope this new wing will go a long way in continuing the advancement and upliftment of our nation; and again I say congratulations to all on this unforgettable day.”
Other persons who spoke at the dedication ceremony were Mr. Teron Axille, a teacher at the school, who chaired the ceremony; the Principal, Mrs. Tracelyn Hamilton, who gave the welcome address; Mr. Merrick Richardson, President of the Parent Teachers Association; Master Mickhi Carty, President of the Student Council; and the Reverend Dr. Wycherley Gumbs who performed the blessing. He is a former teacher at what was then the small Road Primary School, forerunner of the Adrian T. Hazell Primary School.
The ceremony ended with a tour of the new building and classrooms.
