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Emergency Call for Action: St. James Primary School Faces Urgent Repairs

December 6, [Year]

In a passionate plea to the Minister of Education, with copies to the Minister of Public Works, the Honourable Premier, and other stakeholders, concerned citizen Hazel Brandy-Williams draws attention to the critical state of affairs at the St. James Primary School on its 45th Anniversary. The urgent message highlights the pressing need for immediate action to address a range of issues impacting the school’s functionality and the well-being of its students.

As the school term concludes today, Wednesday, December 6th, and children embark on their vacation until January 8th, 2024, Brandy-Williams brings to light a series of challenges that require swift attention. The urgent call for action includes the following key points:

1. Inoperable School Kitchen: The school’s kitchen has been non-functional for the entire term, necessitating meals to be prepared off-campus and transported daily. Brandy-Williams emphasizes the urgency of addressing this situation, citing the potential risks to the health and well-being of students and staff.
2. Mold Displacement in Largest Class: The largest class in the school, consisting of 12 children, is displaced due to mold issues. Immediate action is requested to rectify the mold problem, allowing the affected space to be used as intended, likely as a library.
3. Sewage System Concerns: The sewage system at the school requires immediate attention to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes and to avoid the potential spread of diseases such as dengue.
4. Collapsed Wall and Playground Equipment: The wall separating the school from a neighboring property has been down since the passage of Hurricane Tammy, causing water accumulation and creating another breeding ground for mosquitoes. Additionally, the swings and slides on the playground, also damaged during Hurricane Tammy, need urgent attention or removal.
5. Inadequate Facilities for Administration: The Principal’s office and staffroom are deemed unworkable spaces, impacting the school’s leadership and staff. The plea calls for immediate improvements to create a conducive environment for effective school management.

Brandy-Williams refrains from sharing distressing photos on social media, opting to give the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) an opportunity to address the concerns urgently. However, she has shared the images with members of the Cabinet and the Federal Minister for Nevis 11 to ensure firsthand awareness of the severity of the situation.

In response to the urgent situation, Brandy-Williams calls for the mobilization of maintenance crews and public works teams as early as Monday, December 11th, urging the Premier and Minister of Finance to allocate necessary funds for this emergency project. The plea emphasizes the need for immediate action to safeguard the well-being of the students, asserting that the administration’s commitment to education and children is being put to the test.

As the St. James Primary School stands at a critical juncture, the community and stakeholders await a swift and comprehensive response to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for the students. The urgency of the matter underscores the importance of prioritizing education infrastructure and the welfare of the nation’s youth.