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President of the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) and Assistant General Secretary of the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB), Sean Spencer is concerned about the state of disrepair of some schools, and also safety issues. 

Spencer voices concerns over H&S conditions of schools

THE Assistant General Secretary of the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB), Sean Spencer, is concerned about current health and safety conditions at some of the nation’s schools. 

Addressing the media during a press conference at the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT), Welches, St. Michael, headquarters, yesterday, Spencer, who is also BUT’s President, stressed that some of the plants are not being inspected as is required, a downfall which is leading to the deterioration of properties.

He said it is not only a matter of paint peeling off of walls, but there is also the presence of termite infestation, fences falling apart, the absence of handrails posing difficulties for persons making their way around properties during wet conditions, aged and sagging floor boards. 

Recently, the Lester Vaughn School was closed from October 9, and reopened on October 22, due to what Spencer described as a long- standing matter, going back to over a decade.

“The recommendations which I have before me are from an Environmental Department Protection report, dated October 20, 2011. These recommendations to my mind have not been followed through with and I would draw emphasis to where it states a complete industrial cleaning of the premises should be conducted, inclusive of all hard surfaces, soft furnishings, ceiling space, books and files. An industrial cleaning schedule should be implemented during the vacation breaks to supplement the daily cleaning by the janitorial staff. It has also spoken to the necessity of conducting regular professional pest control treatments. Obviously, in the interim period, we have not seen these measures being taken into consideration, and adequately implemented. We are definitely seeking to have these addressed,” Spencer said.

“The prevalence of mildew, fungus and mould; these are issues that have to be dealt with and have been brought to the attention of the requisite government Ministries. Facing us, we recognise that there are plants which are in dire state of disrepair, some aged. Many of the schools’ structures which were once church schools and fell under the older dispensation from the late 19th century are now really and truly tired. There is the need to make a determination to ensure that they are indeed fit for occupation. The issues which present can be rectified if we see the imposition and implementation of a systematic approach where there is inspection at regular intervals, followed by service, in terms of maintenance to plants,” he added.

He informed that the issue of buildings falling into disrepair is not only restricted to the education sector; a number of sectors within the civil service have also registered similar complaints. He made reference to the fact that buildings that once housed the Barbados Town and Country Planning, Barbados Statistical Service, and the Immigration Department, had to be abandoned because they were deemed unfit to be occupied.

“These buildings would not necessarily see the level of foot traffic which one would see in a school from day to day. Why would we allow this to continue?”

The Assistant General Secretary also pointed out that there had been reports about leakage at one of the Fire Stations during the passage of Tropical Storm Kirk. Spencer said that there is also an issue where the Barbados Fire Service is facing staffing issues, placing officers under stress because there is not enough manpower to perform services and maintain equipment. 

Spencer also pointed out that the issue of inadequate security guards at schools, is also a major concern. He explained that while some schools do not have fencing, neighbours and animals are free to venture on to compounds, posing harm to children and staff at the affected institutions.

“When we look at the matter of security guards, what is really puzzling is the fact that we have some schools which have a hut provided for the accommodation of the security guards, but there is no guard. In other cases, we have a guard who is serving multiple plants, two or three plants in some cases, we are told. What is puzzling beyond measure is if one was to visit the National Insurance Scheme building, you will find that there are ten or more individuals working as security officers, but the schools can’t have one,” he said.

The President also pointed out that when the Government summer camp programme was running, security officers were made available from the Defence and Security Ministry. However, Spencer said that when the camps concluded, and it was time for the school year to commence, the guards were removed. (AH)

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