A rat infestation forced an early closure of the Palmyra Hindu SDMS Primary School on Monday,
The shutdown came approximately one hour after parents and guardians dropped their children off for the first day of school.
An inspection team wearing face masks was on the compound yesterday. However, the school could not state when pupils and staff could return.
Reports are that some parents knew about the rat problem at the school since last term. However, they thought the MoE would have used the school holiday period to undertake the necessary work to make the school safe.
One parent, Steven Ramroop, told media it was displeasing that the MoE had two months to remedy the infestation but the rats were still there. Ramroop said parents were not allowed to see the classroom and did not know when the school would reopen.
Some parents said children were looking forward to reconnecting with their friends and teachers yesterday.
Minister of Education Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly said a report submitted by the principal stated that upon the initial sighting of evidence of rat infestation in July, the school contacted the Princes Town Regional Corporation’s (PTRC) Health Department.
Public health personnel visited the school on August 8, 15 and 26 and baited the affected areas. On August 26, health personnel informed the school that they could not bait again until three weeks had passed. The team inspected the school on August 27 and all appeared well. However, when the staff reported for duty on August 29, a stench emanated from one of the rooms in the school’s annex. The principal contacted a Public Health Inspector the following day to report the situation and requested a visit.