Government of the Republic of Trinidad and TobagoMINISTRY OF EDUCATION

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION18 Alexandra Street, St. Clair, Port of Spain, Trinidad

Phone: 1-868-628-1581/622-1088 Fax: 1-868-628-2088 www.moe.gov.tt

NEWS RELEASE                                                                                4th January, 2016

SUCCESSFUL REOPENING OF SCHOOLS

Minister of Education, The Honourable Anthony Garcia is confirming all primary and secondary

schools have opened today (January 4th, 2016) and are in a state of readiness. This includes the

Vistabella Presbyterian Primary School which has a full turnout of teachers and 400 out of 475

students reoccupying the school building since it was closed during the last semester due to electrical

problems.

He said due to roadblocks in the St. Patrick district, students’ attendance in eleven (11) schools was

adversely affected. These schools are Guapo Government Primary School; Vance River RC Primary;

Brighton AC Primary; La Brea RC Primary; Point Fortin AC Primary; Point Fortin RC Primary;

Point Fortin ASJA Primary School; Holy Name Convent; Point Fortin East, Vessigny Secondary

School and the Point Fortin West Secondary.

Additionally, Minister Garcia said classes at the Santa Rosa Government Primary School has fully

resumed today following early dismissals last term due to a malfunctioning water pump, toilets and

plumbing problems.

Speaking on the issue of the reopening of schools, Minister Garcia said, “I would like to thank the

Education Facilities Company Limited, its contractors and officials from the Ministry of Education

who have worked assiduously to ensure that all schools were opened today.” He further called on

students to ensure that they take their schoolwork seriously, and acknowledged that many teachers

operate under challenging conditions, but said he sincerely appreciates their dedication to duty and

willingness to provide a high quality education to the country’s children.

For further information please contact the Corporate Communications Division, Ministry of Education: ph:628-1581 / fx:628-2088