Work to Commence at Alexandrina Maduro Primary School

At a contract signing ceremony on 3 March Education Minister Hon. Lloyd Black stated that the Government will commence the construction of a new and improved west building of the Alexandrina Maduro Primary School. This work he explained, was similar in scope to that of the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School in Seacows Bay.

The construction of the new wing at the educational facility has been a much-anticipated moment for the Principal, staff, students, parents and members of the community, because the Alexandrina Maduro School has  been serving the educational needs of the Baughers Bay area for so many years. First as St. Philip School and now as the Alexandrina Maduro School, named in honour of a highly distinguished educator of that community. Hon. Black said that it was important that the facility continues to meet the educational needs of the students and keep up with the demand for more space. He went on to say that education is a priority of the Government's legislative agenda, and high on that agenda is the modernization of schools.

The Minister said that the Government wants to develop a standard for schools that will be conducive to teaching and learning. It is with these goals in mind that the Ministry is embarking upon this renovation program for the A.M Primary School at the cost of $655,517.34. Mr. Neville Hodge was contracted for this project and promised to complete it within 6-7 months. The greatly improved facilities will include new classrooms in a two-storey steel-frame structure, which will feature a first for primary schools in the territory: a resource centre, music/dance studio, and computer lab. The administrative wing will provide for a sick bay, guidance officer, secretary and reception among other amenities.

Chief Minister Dr. the. Hon. D. Orlando Smith said that the project is another example of Government making good on its promises to the people of the Territory and, more importantly, to the young people and the generations to come.

Dr. Smith said education continues to be one of his administration’s high priority areas as outlined in its Legislative Agenda and added that one of the key components is school modernisation.

“With the addition of classrooms and an administrative wing, we are indeed moving to modernise our schools so that our children can function in an environment that is conducive for learning and educational development,” said the Chief Minister.

Deputy Chief Minister Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton, Territorial-at-Large Representative Honourable Eileene Parsons and Representative for the Sixth District Honourable Omar Hodge were among those attending the ceremony. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture Mrs. Josephine Callwood chaired the proceedings.

Hon. Black also announced that the Government plans to commence work on the BVI High School as soon as possible.