By KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

DEPUTY Prime Minister Chester Cooper said a new Ragged Island school is “99 percent complete”, with necessary furniture to arrive next week.

The Tribune reported last month that former educators are frustrated with the delayed reopening of the Ragged Island School, which has been closed since Hurricane Irma in 2017. Despite significant rebuilding, progress appeared to stall, leading to concerns over students’ reliance on virtual learning and the lack of qualified teachers.

One former educator pointed out that a makeshift classroom at Holy Innocent’s Anglican Church lacked internet access and a trained teacher, further hindering the children’s education. Photos obtained by The Tribune showed the temporary setup amid allegations that parents have refused to send their children to the makeshift school.

The newly appointed early childhood educator reportedly had to return to New Providence for documentation, leaving no provision for preschoolers. Delays in furnishing two new cottages also prevented the primary school teacher from arriving, forcing students to continue virtual learning at home despite promises of school readiness.

Mr Cooper said temporary accommodation would be provided for the teacher until the furniture arrives. He said a teacher initially assigned to the school opted to return to the capital, but another teacher was expected to arrive yesterday and begin teaching.

Minister of Education Glenys Hanna Martin acknowledged staffing challenges in a message to The Tribune earlier this week but highlighted recent progress. She confirmed that one teacher had arrived and was expected to start classes this week, with a second to follow once accommodations are finalised. She noted that the Anglican Diocese has temporarily allowed the use of its church premises to facilitate face-to-face instruction for the first time in years.

Mr Cooper stressed that his primary concern is the well-being of Ragged Island’s children. He said he has been in direct communication with parents and the district superintendent to keep them informed of the ongoing efforts to resume in-person classes. He assured parents that logistical challenges are being addressed, and the government is working to restore normalcy.

He also addressed those he referred to as “mischief makers”.

“I’ve spoken with the parents on Ragged Island, and the minister for education has spoken with the parents in Ragged Island,” he said. “They are all well aware of the circumstances. They are understanding of the logistical challenges, and they are supportive of the initiatives taken to get classes started.”

“Many of the mischief-makers seem to forget that there has been no school in Ragged Island for seven years since Hurricane Irma. For four and a half of those years, the previous administration had the opportunity to get schools started, but they didn’t. We don’t want to make this a political back-and-forth.”

“We’re going to complete the process, and we’re going to ensure that, in the shortest possible time frame, they are back in face-to-face classes.”