The sod was turned today, February 13 to commence the construction of a new and improved Enis Adams Primary School.

The event was witnessed by parents, teachers past and present faculty members, as well as past and present students, community members, members of Government and other officials, the staff of the Ministry of Education, and many other well-wishers.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE in remarks at the ceremony said his Government made a public appeal to the community to assist with the rebuilding of the Territory’s schools last year following the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria as it could not rebuild the Territory alone.

The Premier thanked Mr. Peter Haycraft of Road Town Wholesale Company Limited and his team, Newton Construction for thrusting their weight behind the development of our students—particularly for this school, the Enis Adams Primary.

He said, “The Government of the Virgin Islands strongly values the partnership we have built with you over the years and consider you a true community partner.  We  support the bond and efforts, that is the funding mechanism, for this school’s construction and are pleased to know that your commitment and contribution is one from the heart.”

The Premier further added that the event marked an important moment in the rewriting of the history of the Enis Adams Primary School, and that he is confident that the school will make the most of this opportunity and continue to grow from strength to strength.

Meanwhile, Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn said that such an event could only be described as the beginning of a new era.

The Minister said, “As we rebuild the Enis Adams Primary School, let today’s ceremony symbolize the creation of a new standard for the education system of the Virgin Islands, for the benefit and improvement of the life of our children.”

Benefactor of the project to rebuild the school, Mr. Peter Haycraft expressed confidence in the Newton Construction Company and the reeds steel framed building, and is satisfied that the new school will be better equipped to withstand natural disasters.

Mr. Haycraft stated, “Many of you know that I have a preference for reeds building, you can see that all the buildings belonging to me were able to withstand the storm.  I assure you that the Enis Adams Primary School will certainly be in a better position in the event of a similar natural disaster.”

Brother of the late Enis Adams, Mr. Edwin Adams, made a presentation on the life of his sister, former educator and first principal of the school.

Mr. Adams said, “My sister, the late Enis Adams was very privileged to be the principal for this institution.  A place which is dear and near to the hearts of members of this community, as my sister utilized it for other purposes, such as a place for the Brownies to meet, church services, just to name a few.”

Other schools to be rehabilitated include the Willard Wheatley, Francis Lettsome, Joyce Samuel, Alexandrina Maduro, Althea Scatliffe and Ebenezer Thomas Primary Schools; the Bregado Flax Educational Centre-Primary Division and the Claudia Creque Educational Centre.

Government will also reconstruct schools that were deemed unusable or severely damaged. These schools include: Isabella Morris Primary, Ivan Dawson Primary, Leonora Delville Primary, Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary Division and the old campus of the Elmore Stoutt High School.