THE TWO-LEVEL STRUCTURE WILL CONTAIN FIVE CLASSROOMS, A STAFF ROOM, WASHROOM FACILITIES, A MUSIC ROOM AND A SICK BAY.
Principal of the Gordon and Walcott Memorial Methodist School, Margaret Gabriel, has hailed the start of work on a new wing as another compliment to the school’s rich legacy of excellence.
It has been a ten-year wait for the Gordon and Walcott Memorial Methodist school which has undergone several name changes over the years, since the first Methodist school was established in Saint Lucia 131 years ago. In 1951 the primary school was moved to its current location and named after the first head teacher, the late Thomas Gordon.
The construction of the new block will see the demolition of the old infant wing of the school to provide more security, adequate operating space, and enhancement of the teaching and learning experience at the institution.
The works will consist of a two-level reinforced concrete structure. The first floor will contain four classrooms, a staff room and washroom facilities, while the ground floor will consist of one classroom, music room, theatre arts and French room and a sick bay.
Minister with responsibility for Education, Hon. Dr. Gale Rigobert, who helped turn the sod for the start of construction, is certain this and two other schools being built under the Education Quality Improvement Project (EQUIP), at a total cost of EC$20 million, will ensure the sustainability of modern education at these institutions for generations to come.
The site works will include improvements in the perimeter fencing, improved vehicular parking conditions, improved site drainage, improved site access on the northern boundary, and refurbishment of the existing septic tank.
MP for Castries Central, Hon. Sarah Flood Beaubrun, said the school is well placed to build on its rich history to make even greater accomplishments in the future.
The construction of the new block at the Gordon and Walcott Memorial Methodist School will be undertaken by Prudy’s Constructions Ltd at a cost of just over EC$5 million. The project duration is 10 months.
