NASSAU, BAHAMAS – After a decade of ongoing repairs at the A.F. Adderley Junior High School, Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) president Belinda Wilson on Monday expressed relief that construction was finally completed and the school is now able to accommodate 766 students.
Grade 7 students at AF Adderley were housed at Workers House on Tonique Williams-Darling Highway as the school underwent repairs. These students, however, were able to return to the school’s Yellow Elder campus when public schools reopened on Monday.
“I was the secretary general [of the Union in 2006] when we agreed to demolish the AF Adderley School because it was dilapidated, and actually, the Ministry of Works had condemned the building so I am so pleased today.
“Thirteen years later AF Adderley is able to occupy their new school,” Wilson said.
The BUT president said while there are still some outstanding matters to be addressed at AF Adderley; like its computer lab, fencing and parking for teachers, she is pleased that for the most part teachers returned yesterday to a safe and clean environment.
Wilson said students were also excited about the repairs.
“As you know, grade 7 has been housed for a few years at the Hotel Union site so I am really happy this morning, and I welcome the teachers back,” she said.
“I wish them well for this new school term and we just look forward to great things from AF Adderley and CH Reeves moving forward.”
Wilson said she appreciates the support of those parents who have partnered with the union to ensure that the needs of teachers and students are met.
“We want parents to support teachers even more, because a lot of times we feel as if we are fighting alone, and whatever we fight for is for the benefit of the students.
“So we want parents, the PTA and the school board to come on board when they see us out there agitating for better conditions.
“We want them to come and lend their voice to our argument and to our advocacy.”
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