The island community of Caye Caulker is poised for a significant educational transformation with dual announcements of infrastructure development and financial support for students. Following the closure of Ocean Academy’s campus last year, which left the island without a physical high school, construction of a permanent educational facility is scheduled to commence by July 2026.
Area Representative André Perez confirmed that officials from the Ministry of Education will conduct a site assessment next week to finalize development plans. To address immediate educational needs, temporary classroom structures meeting proper standards will be installed in the interim. Perez emphasized that these temporary facilities would include essential infrastructure such as electricity, water, and sanitation to ensure they serve both immediate and long-term purposes.
In a parallel development, the government has confirmed comprehensive tuition coverage for 172 Caye Caulker students beginning next fiscal year. This initiative aligns the island with tuition-free arrangements already established at other public high schools across the nation. Perez highlighted that the funding, previously delayed due to budgetary constraints, has now received formal approval from Education Minister Francis Fonseca.
The combined infrastructure and financial support measures represent a comprehensive approach to educational accessibility, potentially easing financial burdens for families and encouraging higher secondary school retention rates within the island community.