The Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services, Honorable Akierra Missick on Wednesday, 3 February was able to officially conduct a walk through of the H J Robinson School Administrative Building which was destroyed by fire on Friday 29 January.
This was the first opportunity the Minister and her team had, for a first hand view of the fire which destroyed the top floor of the new Administrative Building. This building housed several class rooms, principal and vice principal offices and library. Also destroyed in the fire were years of school records and much of the newly acquired equipment and office supplies including, white boards, chairs and desks and computers.
Today the Minister, Permanent Secretary Cherylann Jones and Deputy Secretary Russell Cox , representatives from The Ministry of Infrastructure and Planning Public Works Department (PWD) Mark McAulay and Norman Watts and principal of the High School, Mr. Reinwald Lewis, were given the all clear to visit the site.
After viewing the burnt building, the Minister and her team were visibly shaken. The Minister noted; “It is indeed quite sad to be at this site and to see this destruction. My heart goes out to the staff and students who must witness this destruction to their dear school.”
She continued; “It took some time to construct the building and fully furnish it and now to see all the labor and effort up in smoke, is disheartening.’
The Minister noted that Government will commit all the necessary resources to ensure that re building is started as soon as possible. She thanked the principal, staff and students, Public Works Department, police, fire department, Disaster Management and the community of Grand Turk in particular for their support during this very unfortunate time.
Based on the visit and the advice of the experts it was deemed necessary to begin school on Monday 8th February. It is expected that before then, PWD will construct a permanent barrier to corner off the affected building and ensure the health and safety of the students and staff who occupy the campus.
Steps to ensure the speedy rebuilding of the block have already begun. PWD has already marshalled its resources to ensure a structural report is received by the end of the week and have engaged the services of the required persons for a design and costing for tendering once funds are fully available.
The police are continuing investigations into the cause of the fire and have officers on hand collecting and securing the necessary evidence.
School reopens on Monday 8th of February and there will be a general assembly on Thursday 4th for students and teachers at the school
