Four local construction companies were awarded contracts to refurbish the Elmore Stoutt High School’s L-shaped building on April 18.

Roy Garraway of Quality Construction Ltd, Brian Marshal of Metro Construction Ltd, Autley Crabbe of Autland Heavy Equipment Ltd and Rayneau Gajathuar of Construction Industrial and Equipment, a company out of St. Lucia collaborating with local contractor Mr. Gregory Hodge signed contracts to have the building ready for the new school year.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie stated that his administration is looking forward for students to return to a full day school in September after being placed on a shift system since the passage of hurricane Irma. He also expressed that he was pleased that his Government is able to provide employment opportunities for local contractors.

The Premier said, “We are excited about our children getting back here in 2019, but we are also excited for an opportunity to engage the local construction industry and be able to offer local contractors a source of income, and today I thank you for your patience. Local contractors are key partners in the rebuilding of this Territory.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley commended teachers, parents and students for the patience exercised and the dedication demonstrated during the very difficult months.

Honourable Wheatley said, “You have committed yourselves to the future of this Territory which is the children.  As educators, I can appreciate that you are in the business of education not because of the income, but the outcome.”

The refurbishing of the building will allow students in grades seven to nine of the Elmore Stoutt High School to return to a full day of classes.

The passage of the hurricane severely damaged the school and students were placed on a shift system since 2017. Junior students from seventh to ninth grade attend school in the morning from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon while tenth to twelfth grades students attend classes from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Government of the Virgin Islands endeavors to promote education for all students of the Virgin Islands, as they strive to provide a safe and conducive environment where learning and teaching can take place.