Freelance Correspondent
Pupils of the Sangre Grande Seventh-Day Adventist Primary School remained at home yesterday after the school was closed on Monday because of a rodent infestation.
The decision to indefinitely close the school was taken after a meeting held by the Parent Teachers Association.
Teachers and parents who spoke, but asked not to be named, said the entire ground floor of the school (which houses the infants department) has been affected.
They said the situation had become overbearing and was a health risk.
Guardian Media was told that rats are often seen running along desks, cupboards and the floor during the day.
Rats are a common source of leptospirosis, which could be deadly.
Teachers and parents added that the rats are also destroying books and stationery.
They said female teachers are often left scared at the sight of the rats, while the smell of the urine from the rats has been affecting the pupils and school staff.
Yesterday, Minister of Education Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly said the primary school has been baited.
She said the Education Facilities Department was investigating the source of the infestation and will determine what further action is required.