Guadeloupe-based organizations to assist storm damaged schools

Two primary schools on the islands have been promised contributions toward their refurbishment post-Tropical Storm Erika, courtesy of two Guadeloupe-based organizations.

Education Minister, Petter Saint Jean, at a press conference on Friday, stated that ‘Contact, Research, Caribbean’ (CORECA), as well as the Dominica-Guadeloupe Association, have committed to the provision of funds for the repair of the Soufriere Primary School and the Delices Primary School.

“The Ministry of Education has a commitment from CORECA…and the Guadeloupe-Dominica Association for the provision of funds to address the situation in Soufriere, and at the Delices Primary School,” Saint Jean said.

While awaiting the monetary contribution, he said that the necessary resources will be obtained locally, and operations will commence on the refurbishment of the schools.

“At this moment, we are actively engaged in getting the requisite resources here on-island, so we can see a commencement of the fencing and roof project in Soufriere, and the fencing, roof, and repainting of the Delices Primary School,” he explained. “But, as it is, we are waiting on communication from the associations in Guadeloupe so works can commence.”

In October, CORECA provided the Ministry of Education with Euros 70,000 to assist with the renovations of the aforementioned schools.

However, Saint Jeans said, the Minister revealed that part of those funds has not yet been transferred to the Government of Dominica.

“The monies have not yet been transferred here to the Ministry of Education, the Government of Dominica; so, we are waiting on CORECA, and the association,” he divulged. “You will recall that a few months ago we actually received a big cheque, but the small one has not yet arrived.”