MOE: 99% Of Students Back To School

Minister of Education, Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly says 99% of the 830 public ECCE, Primary, and Secondary Schools across Trinidad and Tobago saw the return of students today. The Minister says with respect to Trinidad, 0.4% of schools with extensive repair works did not open today due to works being completed, while 0.6% of schools opened on rotation due to extensive repair works being completed. And while it was excitement on the first day of school for some students on Monday, Standard Four students of the Plymouth Anglican Primary School had to be relocated. This, as the railing outside their classroom remains in a dilapidated state. Plans shared by Education Secretary Zorisha Hackett to commence work on Sunday did not materialise. The school’s PTA PRO, Dernnealle Vincent, told the media on Monday that the issues relating to the railing have been ventilated over the past nine months. They noted the health and safety of students are of paramount importance. Ms. Vincent said they have been communicating with the Secretary and representatives of EIDCOT, Project Manager for the School Repair Programme. Meanwhile, TTUTA Tobago Officer Bradon Roberts commended the PTA for their action. However, he expressed displeasure stating the Association was not informed by the Division about the solution agreed upon. He said there is a process where teachers are to be relocated outside of a school compound and this was not followed.