A local government representative yesterday called on stakeholders to band together and demand the completion of all schools.
Reform/Manahambre Councillor Chris Hosein issued the call while delivering the feature address at the graduating ceremony for students of the Reform Village Hindu Primary School at the Williamsville Community Centre. Noting that the new Reform Village school is 95 per cent complete, he made another appeal to the Government to finish and open the school.
Meanwhile, the students are being housed at a nearby temple under cramped conditions. Just two weeks ago during a protest calling for the completion of the school, parents found several marijuana trees and crops growing on the compound of the new school. It also appeared that someone had moved into the school as they found a bed and a makeshift kitchen equip with wares.
Hosein lamented that the school, which was almost completed under the previous People’s Partnership government, was left abandoned since September 2015 when the new government assumed office.
Pointing out that this was just one of several incomplete schools in the country, he said this was “worrisome and troubling” as the Government continues to treat education with disdain.
As he called on all schools to stand together, he said: “From day one I remember standing with students and parents in the rain protesting outside the Parliament for this new school. I remember standing in the burning sun to protest for it. And I want to tell you, that I am prepared to go the distance and do what it takes to ensure you get what you deserve. In fact, I am aware that this issue persists among a number of schools throughout the country and I think it is time for all the schools to come together, stand together and demand what our children deserve!”
He said Education Minister Anthony Garcia has found no solution and has demonstrated a “blatant lack of political will” to have the school completed.
As a result, Hosein said he is prepared to take their plight directly to Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.