Education Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly last night announced that primary schools will remain closed today while secondary schools where CAPE exams are being conducted will remain open for that activity despite the approach of a tropical storm.
In a release, Gadsby-Dolly said while the secondary schools that have CAPE exams will remain open, students who do not have these exams and all teaching and non-teaching staff not involved in this activity today should stay at home.
She added that students who are unable to attend CAPE exams due to weather-related situations must advise their principals of this. However, Gadsby-Dolly warned students that make-up exams are not administered by the Caribbean Examinations Council, so all efforts should be made to attend them.
Meanwhile, speaking on CNC3 last evening, Rural Development Minister Faris Al-Rawi said Government has an evacuation plan, including alternative traffic routes which have been mapped out, in the event that there are heavy volumes of traffic or landslides.
There are 712 municipal police on call, which Al-Rawi said will be the eyes and ears on the ground in addition to the Defence Force and Fire Service.
“It’s important for citizens to do as much self-preparation, including management of livestock. If you know you’re in a prone area, take precautionary steps now. All the usual suspects are to be identified,” he said.
He also said the Government was not yet considering closing Government offices.
“The inter-ministerial team chaired by the acting Prime Minister has already received our recommendations in respect of school and public service,” he said.
“The Prime Minister is considering the options available to us now in close co-ordination with the Met services so that we know exactly where we are.”
He said officials had already begun preparations for schools which are designated shelters.
