In a significant campaign pledge, Democratic Labour Party (DLP) contender Ryan Walters has committed to a comprehensive transformation of educational infrastructure and youth development initiatives in St Michael North West should he secure victory. Addressing constituents at a political gathering, Walters highlighted the critical state of disrepair plaguing multiple educational institutions, including Deacon’s Primary, Eagle Hall Primary, St Stephen’s Primary, St Stephen’s Nursery, and Ellerslie Secondary School. He asserted that years of neglect have severely compromised the learning environment, directly impacting student welfare and academic performance. Walters specifically criticized incumbent representative Neil Rowe for ineffective leadership, alleging that his efforts were limited to writing letters that were subsequently ignored by colleagues. The cornerstone of Walters’ educational agenda involves either a complete reconstruction or extensive refurbishment of Deacon’s Primary, which he described as an ‘ageing plant’ creating unacceptable conditions for students. Furthermore, he vowed to address surrounding environmental hazards, such as overgrown vegetation attracting rodents, which pose health and safety risks. Beyond physical infrastructure, Walters announced plans to launch an after-school literacy program and reinstate academic scholarship schemes to reward student excellence, initiatives he noted were successfully implemented during previous DLP administrations. In a bold move to tackle community divisions, Walters proposed establishing a St Michael North West Youth and Culture Club. This initiative aims to unite young people from various communities including Deacon’s Farm, Free Hill, Pile Bay, Cave Hill, and Black Rock through cultural activities like steel pan and stilt walking, alongside skill development workshops. Walters emphasized that fostering early friendships and cultural appreciation is essential to breaking cycles of violence and creating a safer, more cohesive constituency where youth can interact freely without fear.
DLP’s Walters pledges school rebuilding, youth programmes in St Michael North West
