Whilst we are hoping to see some level of repairs for the 14 Government Schools around the Islands, focus has also been turned to the state of the Department of Education in Grand Turk where the administrators of our Schools are to operate and where the Minister of Education and Deputy Premier ought to frequently visit.
I am disappointed with the condition of Government Buildings on a whole and the lack of attention that is being paid to them. This is obvious by the lack of funding allocated and approved in the recent Budget.
Recently a disgusted Grand Turk resident highlighted the state of the Department of Education Building in Grand Turk by posting photos on a social media site and the state of this Building is sadly the norm for too many places where Civil Servants are expected to work at high levels of productivity. The building is in a dangerous state and is in urgent need of repairs. Yet day after day, staff is expected to enter the Building and is expected to feel safe. I cry shame of this Government whose priorities are just not in favor of the safety and well – being of its people.
I am equally concerned at the state of affairs where Schools are expected to open on September 1, 2014 and there is no evidence to date of any repair works beginning. The Government boasts of $350,000 for repairs for all schools – a nominal unrealistic sum, but still a start and yet nothing is being done.
I am concerned as to the readiness of the Schools for the new year. The health, safety and well – being of our students is of paramount importance to us and one cannot underestimate the importance as well of cosmetics which can motivate positive activate. My colleagues and I over the next few weeks will continue to visit Government Schools and speak to the authorities in an effort to see how we can help in the process. During my visit to Oseta Jolly, I note with appreciation the ongoing works being carried out by Amanyara Resort.
The Government must show greater concern for our children and the civil servants’ safety and well – being and once again we are calling on the Government to review all of its buildings and prioritize its funding in favor of those that are in need of urgent repair.
