Budget 2022: $8.5M allocated to education infrastructure upgrades
“Your government has been working to restore the school infrastructure. We admit that there is still much to be done. We understand the frustrations, and we aim to push harder with the work,” he said.
The Premier made the announcement at today's November 11, 2022, $397.17M Budget 2022 statement, and reminded that while the job is far from over, upgrade works have been undertaken at the Ivan Dawson Primary School, Lenora Delville Primary School, Robinson O’Neal Memorial Primary School, the Jost van Dyke Primary School, and the Bregado Flax Educational Centre – Secondary Division.
“These works included resilient measures such as solar panels. Metal windows were installed in several schools and furniture was purchased for the Elmore Stoutt High School, the Bregado Flax Educational Centre – Secondary Division, and the Enis Adams Primary School.”
ESHS Upgrades
For 2022, he said the works will continue with $8.5m allocated for the sector and will come through the VI Recovery and Development Agency (RDA).
The Finance Minister said that in the upcoming year, redevelopment of the Elmore Stoutt High School campus will move forward and that will include constructing classrooms and supporting facilities to provide a modern campus for learning and development for students.
"Just over seven million [dollars] is allocated for this initiative. All our students and teachers will finally be moving from the CTL building to the Elmore Stoutt campus where they belong and in proper facilities in time for the 2022-2023 school year,” the Premier said.
New Isabella Morris Jr High School
More progress, Premier Fahie said, will begin with demolition works on the Isabella Morris Primary School in Carrot Bay to begin from October, 1, 2021. This project will see an allocation of $200,000 to fund design development and engineering works to inform the construction and development.
According to the Premier, the plan is a new modern facility with SMART and safe standards to ensure a resilient and functional school for the children and teachers of Carrot Bay and neighbouring communities.
When completed it will be known as the Isabella Morris Jr High School.
Regarding the sister island of Jost van Dyke, Premier Fahie said teachers and students have borne a lot and they have been very patient and as such, some $400,000 has been allocated towards the commencement of the construction of a modern school building that is fitting of what they deserve.
“We continue to restore functionality to the Bregado Flax Educational Centre on Virgin Gorda. $50,000 is allocated to complete ongoing works at this facility. Additionally, $800,000 is allocated for the redevelopment of the Eslyn Henley Richez Special Needs Learning Centre, to provide a restored learning environment with smart and safe standards for students with special needs,” he added.
Further $1M for nationwide rehab works
Hon Fahie indicated that a further $1 million has been allocated through local funding for rehabilitation and remedial works on various schools throughout the Virgin Islands where mould remediation on all public schools will continue through 2022.
“Additionally, we are establishing virtual classrooms to accommodate COVID-19 impacted students with an alternative platform by March 2022. Your Government proposes to increase the funds available for school supplies by over $255,000 from last year’s allocation,” Hon Fahie said.
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10 Responses to “Budget 2022: $8.5M allocated to education infrastructure upgrades ”
Correction: not $ 710.00 a year, but rather $710.,00 a Montth multiply by 12= annual amount.
Please post my humble apology to the public for my error posted earlier.
Thank you VINO
Many times the politicians said that education is key.
Key for what lock? The key for the poor house lock for the vast majority of underpaid government workers?
The evidence speaks for itself. Education,: 2.14%