Schools in squabble over space

A parent of students of the St. Agnes Primary School yesterday said his children and others were locked out of school yesterday as a result of a dispute between the school and the administration of the adjoining St Rose’s High School.

The two schools share a large compound.
The parent told Stabroek News that yesterday his children and many others present were locked out of their school and were told by the Principal of St. Rose’s that St. Agnes was infringing on its space.
“This is not a new problem. Is always something with them and the parents… the children were ejected by the Principal of St Rose’s. What we want to know is how much longer before somebody does something? If they want their school what will happen to our children?” he questioned.

A teacher of the primary school, who requested anonymity, since teachers cannot speak to the press according to Education Ministry protocol, expressed frustration at the situation. “They are unfair and it’s the babies that have to suffer. This problem has been brewing for a long time and the ministry has turned a blind eye to it… we keep hearing the Catholic Church wants its building for St. Rose’s alone but no one is doing anything,” she said.

“They can’t use up this whole building… St. Rose’s have parts all at the back that they don’t even use and every other morning they are singing in our ears ‘We want we building’ something has to be done and done soon,” she added.

An official of the ministry later met with administration of both schools and the problem was resolved.

When contacted Chief Education Officer Olato Sam said, “There was an issue there but I think we have come to an amicable understanding… apparently there was some misunderstanding. The matter has been resolved and as far as I am concerned it’s now a non issue.”