In response to a destructive fire that severely damaged a section of the Questelles Government School on Monday, educational authorities in St. Vincent have implemented a comprehensive relocation plan for affected students. The blaze, which destroyed the roof of a school block housing Grades 3 and 4 classrooms along with the school’s kitchen facility, has prompted immediate action from the Ministry of Education.
Education Minister Phillip Jackson, following an extensive site assessment conducted alongside technical experts from BRAGSA (Building, Roads, and General Services Authority), announced that Grades 5 and 6 students will be temporarily relocated to the Campden Park Community Centre for the upcoming term. This strategic decision affects 98 students and six teachers who will commence classes at the alternative facility on January 12th, one week later than the scheduled return of other grades.
Minister Jackson explained the rationale behind selecting older students for relocation, noting that their transition to temporary facilities would be administratively smoother and require less intensive supervision. The technical evaluation conducted by BRAGSA revealed that despite the fire damage, the affected structure maintains a solid foundation with stone wall façades in ‘excellent condition,’ providing a basis for reconstruction efforts.
The Ministry has developed an advanced operational plan to ensure educational continuity, including provisions for additional resources and transportation assistance. The reconstruction project, which will involve designing around the existing stable structure, is anticipated to require approximately three months for completion. Consequently, relocated students are expected to remain at the Campden Park facility throughout the entire second term while rebuilding occurs at their original school campus.