In a letter dated 7 September 2023, and signed by Acting Chief Education Officer Orlandette Crabbe, parents of the Joyce Samuel Primary School were advised that the reopening of the school will be pushed back by one week due to incomplete renovations work. The school is now expected to reopen on Tuesday 19 September. 

The information on the schools came to light during this week at the Continuation of the Second Sitting (5 September) and Third Sitting (7 September) of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly. It was during questions posed to the Minister of Education, the Honourable Sharie DeCastro by Member and Representative for the 6th District the Honourable Myron Walwyn, as to the readiness of the schools in his District which includes the Joyce Samuels Primary School. 

At the Third Sitting yesterday 7 September, Member and Representative for the 8th District  the Honourable Marlon Penn also brought to light the readiness of the Willard Wheatley Primary School. He indicated that he had visited the school. He highlighted that the school was in disrepair and unfit for the students to return to the school in its present manner. 

The Minister indicated her knowledge on the needs of each school and updated on progress. However, she made a point in highlighting a lack of funds as a major issue in getting the schools ready in a timely manner. 

Parents and Residents are expressing their outrage across social media, on the matter. 

Premier’s Priorities In Question 

During the HOA Sittings on 5th and 7th September, lack of funds was a reoccurring response by all Ministers during questions posed to them by His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition. 

On 30th June 2023, the Premier spent a whopping $250k on a ‘Party’ in celebration of the non stop AA flight to the BVI. Residents were outraged and considered the move to be unnecessary due to the pending August Emancipation Festival, and the fact that the Territory’s infrastructure is falling apart. 

Questioned by the Member and Representative for the 6th District Honourable Myron Walwyn on the economic benefits of the $250k concert to the Territory, the Premier Honourable Natalio Wheatley stuttered and was unable to give any solid data to show any economic gains for the Territory. To date, no update has been given on the true spend of the concert. 

Fast forward to the 2023 Emancipation Festival Celebrations, the Committee was given another whopping amount of money for entertainment purposes; some $1.1 million dollars was made available. 

The Territory continues to question the Premier’s thought process, competence, priorities and readiness to lead.