The Ministry of Home Affairs and Education expresses thanks to all teachers, parents and students for the efforts made over the last school year to ensure that it was a successful productive one for our students. We are cognizant that the year was filled with challenges and there were many sacrifices that had to be made so that the delivery of education was not overly compromised.
The Ministry now wishes to update the general public on the situation in relation to the redevelopment of the school buildings which were damaged and destroyed by Hurricane Irma and other related matters.
The Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School was extensively damaged. A decision has been taken by Executive Council to rebuild Campus A, WISE, PRU and DOVE II on a new site in the Quarter. Campus B will remain at its current location and be renovated. It is anticipated that the commencement of construction of the new campuses will take place in the first quarter of 2019 with a view to completion by July 2020. As such, the shift system that is currently in place is likely to continue for another two years.
The Adrian T Hazell Primary School and the Valley Primary School also received extensive damage and are currently operating in cramped conditions in the remaining blocks. There has been an extensive review process in relation to the documentation and plans for these schools which have resulted in unanticipated
delays. As such, during the summer months, there will be demolition of unused buildings at the Valley Primary School and fencing of the anticipated construction areas at both Valley Primary and Adrian T Hazell Primary Schools to enable construction to begin in September. Efforts will be made to minimize noise and dust during the construction period.
The Morris Vanterpool Primary School was also extensively damaged and as a result had to be relocated to rented accommodation. A design concept has been approved for this school and design plans are in progress. The damaged school buildings will be demolished over the summer period. It is anticipated that construction will begin at the old location in January 2019 and will take a period of twelve months.
The Orealia Kelly Primary School received damage to its auditorium and other areas. To improve resilience, it is proposed to replace all the zinc roofs on the school with concrete and to construct additional bathrooms, support rooms, kitchen, library and other learning spaces for the school. Plans for this are in the final stages of development and it is anticipated that the roof replacement will be completed before the end of 2018.
The Alwyn A Richardson Primary School in West End and the Vivien Vanterpool Primary School in Island Harbour also received some damage. Some repairs have already been undertaken at both schools. However, there is a need for further repairs which will take place while school is on vacation. Additionally, plans are in place for the creation of additional learning and recreational space at the Vivien Vanterpool Primary School by the end of 2018.
The Ministry of Education continues to work in collaboration with the Ministries of Infrastructure, Finance and Economic Development as well as the Governor’s Office to ensure the repair and rebuilding of our schools. There have been many challenges along the way, but we assure the public that we are making every
effort to do the best we can for our students. We ask for the continued patience and support of parents, teachers and the entire Anguillian community as we seek to build back better.
Honourable Cora Richardson Hodge
Minister of Home Affairs and Education
18th July 2018
– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
