September 8, 2022

“Open Our School”: Parents Protest Extended Closure Of Claxton Bay Anglican Primary

By Newsroom

Parents of students attending the Claxton Bay Junior Anglican School staged a protest outside the institution on Thursday morning, calling for repairs to their children’s school building to be completed.

The students are being accommodated at the Marabella Junior Secondary School since their school shut down nearly three years ago due to safety concerns.

In October 2019, the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) condemned the school and ordered it closed.

In an interview with OJO World, one parent, Genine Providence, said notwithstanding the closure of all schools during the pandemic, the wait has been untenable.

“In 2019 we met with Dr. Lovell Francis, who was in that (Education) Ministry at the time and he promised us a new school. Since then we really have heard nothing, to be honest with you,” she said.

“There are problems at the new school (Marabella) too, like no water. Last term teachers and all had to walk out because there was no water, you know. Something like water, clean drinking water for our children, we have to fill up their bottles and send them with it,” said Providence, whose son is in second year.”

In addition to calling for repairs to be completed on the school, parents have also expressed upset that the bus service which usually transports their children to the Marabella school has not shown up since the new academic year began on Monday.

“What I understand is that the maxi drivers, like were not paid for last term so they say they are not coming out this term. We are getting our children ready for 7:20am because that is when the PTSC bus comes and then- nothing. Nothing shows up. Some parents had to carry back their children home the first two days. That is so frustrating,” Providence said.

Share