–Maintenance works to continue at schools throughout academic year
Education Minister Sonia Parag has rejected claims that some schools experienced delayed reopening as the new academic term (2026-2027) got underway Monday.
According to her, all of the country’s approximately 1,200 schools opened, although a small number have temporary arrangements in place.
Parag said about 98 per cent of schools resumed normal operations, with students and teachers reporting as expected, while construction and repair activities at a few facilities necessitated alternative arrangements.
She pointed to the Airy Hall Nursery School, where construction is being undertaken to add another level to the building.
Rather than expose students to an unsafe environment, Parag said the ministry consulted with regional officials, parents and teachers on relocating the children temporarily.
“We don’t want children to be in an unsafe environment, but we also don’t want to have disruption in the learning process,” she said.
The minister also referenced works at Mackenzie High School in Linden, which she said have generated what she described as negative narratives about the reopening of those schools.
However, Parag said the Ministry of Education, regional education officials and the Regional Education Unit have been coordinating efforts to address the outstanding works while ensuring that learning continues.
She said, “I can tell you that the Regional Education Officer and the Regional Education Unit have been working along with the Ministry of Education to make sure that we make the buildings safe, as well as students continuing the learning process.”
She urged parents and students not to be alarmed by the situation, stressing that the ministry is actively addressing the concerns.
Parag also made it clear that the maintenance programme will not end with the reopening of schools. Crews will remain engaged throughout the academic year to deal with routine repairs and emerging problems.
She noted, “Maintenance is something that all schools need.”
According to the minister, the schools were prepared to receive students at the start of the term, but maintenance teams will continue responding to issues ranging from broken toilets and doorknobs to leaking roofs.
“While we have our schools in a prepared state for reopening today [Monday], we also have maintenance crews that will be working throughout the year,” she said.
Parag appealed to parents, teachers and other stakeholders to exercise patience and cooperate with the ministry as it continues improving school facilities.
“So, I say to the nation, just have a bit of patience with us,” she said, while assuring that the ministry is working to ensure schools have the resources needed to provide a suitable environment for both students and teachers.
The minister assured that the ministry will continue to work with regional authorities and other stakeholders to ensure schools remain safe, functional and conducive to learning throughout the academic year.
