THA Education Secretary Zorisha Hackett has given the assurance that all Tobago schools are ready for the new term today.
This, she said, follows a $20 million injection into the school repair programme,
In a release, the Education, Research and Technology Division said the first phase of the repair programme addressed immediate concerns, while phase two will handle less critical repairs during the term.
The Eco-Industrial Development Company of Tobago (EIDCOT ) managed the School Repair Programme for the second year, focusing on the most urgent repairs based on feedback from principals.
Although some work will continue, the Division assured all 57 schools are set to reopen and said it will keep monitoring and addressing any remaining concerns.
However, Minority Leader, Kelvon Morris said the THA failed to prioritise school repairs during the July-August vacation “resulting in contractors still working on some sites.”
He also accused the Division of mismanaging resources, favouring “joy rides” over the educational future of Tobago’s children.
“This secretary needs to stop making excuses because you cannot in one breath say you’re prioritising health and safety issues while in the same vein say that you are delaying other critical works that have to be done to make our children comfortable. We cannot compromise on education, we cannot compromise on children’s future,” Morris said.
“The Secretary is clearly playing smart with foolishness. The fact that she is saying demobilisation is still happening means, in a real sense, that contractors are still on the site of many schools, doing work even hours, mere hours before school reopens, and that is unacceptable.”
Morris said teachers continue to work in unsafe and unsanitary conditions.
He urged Hackett to “stop making excuses and prioritise completing all necessary school repairs” adding that the education and the safety of students and teachers should never be compromised.