Hanna-Martin says some schools only awaiting greenlight from health officials while others remain in “unsatisfactory state of repair”
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Minister of Education Glenys Hanna-Martin said yesterday that the government hopes to announce a date “soon” for the resumption of face-to-face education in public.
“We are preparing for the resumption of face-to-face instruction in our public schools but cannot do so until our health officials say that it is safe to do so and mandate the requisite health protocols to be undertaken to assure a safe environment for all,” Hanna-Martin said during a contribution in Parliament.
“We must also work closely with parents and the unions to seek to allay any concerns they may have.”
“I am hoping that very soon, we will be able to announce a date.”
The education minister noted, however, that several schools nationwide, including here on New Providence, will not be able to reopen promptly due to an “unsatisfactory state of repair”.
She advised that in some instances, select schools will not be ready until early next year.
Hanna-Martin said those schools on New Providence include LW Young Junior High, Yellow Elder Primary, CW Sawyer Primary, Ridgeland Primary, Uriah McPhee Primary, SC McPherson Junior High, Gerald Cash Primary, Carlton E Francis Primary and the Centre for the Deaf.
She noted that all Family Island primary schools are ready for return for face-to-face except for Georgetown Primary and LN Coakley, Exuma, which should be ready by the end of this month.
“It is very unfortunate and disappointing that the previous administration did not cause for the annual school repair exercise to be undertaken expeditiously and there has been egregious neglect,” she said.
“Since taking office and assuming responsibility for this state of affairs, we have been collaborating closely with the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Finance to accelerate these works and we will do our utmost to minimize disruption due to circumstances which have been beyond our control.”
All public schools reopened on August 30, but officials advised that it would be done virtually “out of an abundance of caution” as COVID-19 infections in the country were on the rise.
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