BELIZE – Senior officials from Belize’s Ministry of Education convened with Caye Caulker community leaders this week to address pressing educational infrastructure needs on the island. The high-level meeting, attended by Belize Rural South Area Representative Andre Perez, Caye Caulker Village Council members, and Ocean Academy’s Board of Governors, focused on developing both immediate and long-term solutions for the island’s growing student population.
The discussions centered on establishing a new pre-primary facility and converting the existing institution into a government-operated high school. With construction projected to require 12-13 months for completion, officials prioritized identifying temporary instructional spaces to ensure educational continuity during the building phase. One prominent proposal involves erecting transitional structures adjacent to the existing Catholic primary school campus.
Representative Perez characterized the negotiations as “productive and reassuring” for concerned community stakeholders. He confirmed the Ministry team conducted comprehensive site evaluations following previous consultations with parents and educators regarding Ocean Academy’s operational challenges.
Notably, the dialogue addressed community-driven efforts that had raised approximately $100,000 for temporary facilities. Ministry officials advised against substantial investment in short-term infrastructure, emphasizing practical considerations regarding the transitional nature of any interim solution.
Perez further clarified the institution’s administrative future, stating: “Whatever is built there eventually becomes what is called the government high school. It’s not going to be Ocean Academy anymore.” This confirms the planned transition from private to public management once governmental investment commences, marking a significant shift in the island’s educational landscape.