By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

NINETY-five per cent of students of Long Island will be back in school by Wednesday largely due to an outpouring of support from its own communities and concerned individuals in Nassau, a senior education official told The Tribune yesterday.

Lionel Sands, Director of Education, led a delegation of officials from the Ministry of Education that assessed the restoration efforts to re-open schools on the island that sustained damage from Hurricane Joaquin two weeks ago.

Though he could not give an estimation on the cost of the damage, Mr Sands said: “We found out when we got there that much was done by the Long Island community, the parents, NGOs - many of them - and also the education community, principals, teachers ... They’ve done a humungous job in trying to restore the schools to some normalcy.”

“The schools in the south did not fare as well as the schools in the north, particularly, Morrisville Primary where the children from that school will have to be relocated to another school because of the water damage in the school.

“Also the fear that the electrical outlets may be compromised and so we’re waiting for the people at Ministry of Works to check to see whether those outlets are good enough for us to restart electrical supply at the school and then bring the children back.”

“NGM Major, of course was a school that suffered some damage, had the greatest outpouring of support from the community.

“In fact, the community, along with NGOs and private concerns in New Providence, did a quite a wonderful job at restoring that school. And so that school is ready to open up tomorrow and we’ve agreed to have it open tomorrow for those students.”

“So we would wish to thank all of those persons who were key in helping to bring some normalcy back to that particular school.”

Last week Chinese Bahamians, Pinder Enterprises, Super Value and KissFM’s morning show agreed to provide funding for the workmen and the requisite materials to restore NGM Major High School to operation on Monday.

Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner had said that her team had brought together partnerships and alliances with individuals who were already preparing the schools for a speedy reopening and on Thursday morning The Tribune agreed to pay up to $8,000 for local workmen, challenging them to get the job done in time for the students to attend classes on Monday.

A DC3 cargo plane delivered construction supplies on Thursday afternoon courtesy of Super Value and work on the outside of the school was finished as far as possible on Saturday, with the architectural shingles to be delived later this week by Pinder Enterprises. Work goes on inside, repairing and cleaning up.

The Tribune’s funds were used to hire nine workers (drywall and painter) for four days working round the clock.

The Ministry of Education detailed the re-opening arrangements, confirming that NGM Major would open today and that North Long Island High had been opened since Wednesday.

“Additionally, Lower Deadman’s Cay Primary will open on Monday, 19th October, Simms Primary School will open on Wednesday, 21st October and Glintons opened on Wednesday, 14th October,” a ministry statement read.

“There has been an overwhelming spirit of resilience by the residents of Long Island as many of them have lost all of their physical belongings.

“We empathise with all in the Long Island education community who have suffered loss, inclusive of, but not limited to, their homes, vehicles, clothing and other personal items.

“In the midst of their personal tragedy, they have exhibited courage and determination and have placed the needs of the students ahead of their own. We thank them for their commitment to the educational needs of their students.”

“The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has been working simultaneously on Long Island, San Salvador, Rum Cay, Crooked Island and Acklins to ensure that schools on all those islands are given equal attention and are able to open as quickly as possible. Each island faces its unique set of challenges and of course, the damage covers a broad spectrum.

“We are giving priority to all schools on all islands affected and we are appreciative to all those

who have come forth to offer assistance.”

“This is indeed a show of national collaboration and requires the co-operation of various ministries/agencies and community members to facilitate the multiple needs required.”