St Kitts and Nevis: Acting Chief Education Officer Francil Morris described the fire incident of the Joshua Obadiah Williams Primary School in Molineux as an attack on the entire education fraternity of St Kitts and Nevis.
Morris also stated the Friday’s fire incident as an arson attack on the Primary School and described that this arson attack on the school was an attack on the entire education system of the Federation.
The Chief Education Officer has visited the fire-ravaged school compound on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, with Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris and made this remark.
He also informed that the public is supporting the administration, and this will go a long way to investigate the willful act. The administration is hoping for the full recovery of the school as soon as possible.
“The arson attack of fire is not only on the Joshua Obadiah Williams but on the entire education fraternity in the Federation. But I wanted to exclaim that we will bounce back because of the general public’s support, not only from the particular community but from the entire Federation. Many persons have come, and they are willing to do their very best to ensure that our children do not lose too much of their learning, so I am happy for that from an education standpoint, “Morris said.
He affirmed that it was really fortunate for the Ministry of Education that a facility, in the Explorers Youth Clubs Headquarters was available in order to no loss to the education of the children.
Morris further added that it is really good for the country as everyone is united and we become able to find the facilities that allow for that.
He also informed that the students of the Primary School have also started counselling sessions for the healing process.
Meanwhile, the Director of the Public Works Department, George Gilbert, also informed the extent of damages caused by the fire and stated that the school had faced extensive significant destruction to the ceiling, doors and walls.
“So, what we have to do is remove the windows, doors, and roof and replace them with new material. We have now upgraded the whole structure, the electrical in particular, and what I’ve observed is that there have been some cracks in the building. The administration has no information regarding whether those were there before or due to the fire, but those will have to be addressed going forward,” said Gilbert.
