Education Minister Dr. Robert Lewis
Almost four weeks after the Augier Combined School was closed due to foul odour and other pollutants emanating from nearby poultry farms, the school will be finally reopened next week.
Education Minister Dr. Robert Lewis said this was made possible through the hard work of several government ministries, Invest Saint Lucia and the Royal Saint Lucia Police Fore (RSLPF).
“I want to tell the parents that I appreciate their patience. The parents have shown great resolve, patience and maturity in that situation,” Dr. Lewis told the media on Tuesday.
He said as minister of education, the interest and education of children are first and foremost, and while he recognizes that agriculture is an important aspect of life, agriculture practices should not disrupt the education of children.
At least two farms have been cleaned and a third will be cleaned shortly. However, this does not mean that all the issues will be automatically resolved.
“I expect there to be less disruptions for the school because the government’s position right now is all the farms around the Augier School should be relocated by summer this year.”
The government has asked Invest Saint Lucia to identify proper land for these farmers and once they are relocated, it will put to rest an issue that has been ongoing for close to 10 years.
While the school remains closed to allow for cleaning and sanitization of the buildings, classes for the Grade six students preparing for the Common Entrance Examination is being held in the Parish Hall of the Augier Roman Catholic Church, from Monday April 11th to Friday April 15th, 2016.
However, all classes will resume fully on Monday, April 25, 2016.
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