On September 10, 2026, the Government of Grenada marked a major milestone in national educational infrastructure development with an official ceremony to celebrate the handover of the fully reconstructed St Dominic’s RC School Block #5. More than just an upgraded learning space, the new facility is purpose-built as a climate-resilient structure that doubles as a certified emergency shelter for the surrounding St David community, delivering dual benefits for education and public safety.
The EC$1.436 million reconstruction project was financed through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) via its Basic Needs Trust Fund Programme, with local contractor H Lewis Construction Limited tapped to complete the works. Construction kicked off on June 3, 2024, and wrapped up on August 28, 2026, two weeks ahead of the official handover ceremony. The upgraded block includes a suite of modern improvements: four fully updated classrooms, dedicated administrative office space for teaching staff, new compliant washroom facilities, fully replaced electrical and plumbing systems, integrated fire detection and alarm infrastructure, upgraded telecommunications connectivity, improved on-site drainage, reinforced concrete walkways, and a range of supporting external site works.
Addressing attendees at the handover event, Dr. Solomon Isaac, CDB Vice President of Operations, underlined that sustained investment in educational infrastructure remains a core pillar of inclusive national development and community empowerment across the Caribbean. “The Caribbean Development Bank is proud to have partnered with the Government of Grenada on this transformative project, which advances three critical priorities: quality education, climate resilience, and community-led development,” Dr. Isaac said. “We are honored to help create safe, modern learning environments for Grenada’s young people, and we remain committed to supporting ongoing educational and social development programs that lift up communities and expand opportunity across the country.”
Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for the St David constituency, emphasized that the new facility represents far more than concrete and steel—it is a tangible investment in Grenada’s future. “This new block sends a clear message to our young people: we believe in you, which is why we choose to invest in you,” Prime Minister Mitchell stated. “Education is one of the most impactful investments a government can make for its nation. When we invest in our children’s education, we invest in Grenada’s future, our workforce, our communities, and our long-term, sustainable development.”
The Prime Minister went on to note that every child in Grenada deserves a safe, modern, and comfortable space to learn, grow, and pursue their personal and academic goals. “With the completion of this reconstructed block, our students now have an environment that is intentionally designed to support quality education, encourage academic excellence, and help every student reach their full potential,” he explained. “As a climate-resilient structure and officially designated emergency shelter, it will also serve as a secure refuge for local community members when disaster strikes. This is an investment in both education and national resilience.”
Beyond its core role as a school facility, the upgraded block significantly enhances the school’s ability to operate as an emergency shelter, offering improved safety and reliable accommodation for St David residents during hurricanes, flooding, or other national emergencies—an increasingly critical function as small island developing states across the Caribbean face growing climate-related risks.
The Government of Grenada formally extended its gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the project’s successful completion, including the CDB through the Basic Needs Trust Fund Programme, the Roman Catholic Church, St Dominic’s RC School administration, H Lewis Construction Limited, and all partner groups that supported the initiative.
The completion of Block #5 marks another key milestone in the steady development of the St David region, embodying the government’s ongoing commitment to upgrading educational infrastructure that boosts student learning outcomes, strengthens community cohesion, and expands opportunity for current and future generations. As students prepare to move into their new classrooms this academic term, the reconstructed facility stands as a lasting symbol of collaborative progress, climate resilience, cross-sector partnership, and a shared national commitment to investing in Grenada’s most valuable asset: its people.
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