Termites have forced the closure of the Dr. J.P. Eustace Memorial School at Edinboro, one week after the school reopened following the eight-week summer break.
The Ministry of Education said on Wednesday that the school will close on Thursday and Friday and reopen on Monday.
“The closure follows reports of an escalating termite infestation, which the Roads Building and General Services Authority (BRAGSA) diligently addressed during the recent school vacation,” the Ministry of Education said in a statement.
“Unfortunately, some areas of the school remain unsuitable for effective learning and instruction. In keeping with the commitment previously stated by the Minister of Education, the Hon. Curtis King, comprehensive repairs of the affected sections will be undertaken with the highest priority on the safety and comfort of students, staff, and the entire school community.”
The ministry said that schooling will continue “uninterrupted through online learning modalities” during Thursday and Friday’s closure.
“The Ministry sincerely regrets any inconvenience caused by this temporary closure and appreciates the patience and understanding of all stakeholders as we work collaboratively to resolve this challenging issue. Normal school operations are scheduled to resume on Monday, 15 September 2025.”
The closure comes in the second week of the school year, which began on Sept. 1 after an eight-week vacation.
In August, Minister of Works, Montgomery Daniel, said that the government had done all necessary minor repairs on the nation’s schools and would shelve major repairs until after September, when it was expected to receive from Saudi Arabia a loan to finance the repairs.
MP for Central Kingstown, St. Clair Leacock, who is also a vice president of the opposition New Democratic Party, had criticised the government over its inability to fund school repairs without having to borrow money.
Two years ago, a sewage problem at the Dr. J.P. Eustace Memorial School also forced the school to close. The school was opened in 2009.
What a shame! A country have to borrow money for simply maintainance and safety of its school.
Even the blind can see that this is not normalcy.
Sleepers you need to wake up!
They will soon sell you to repay all these debts.
It’s a shame and disgrace for a school that was newly built. What a calamity.