Roseau South MP ‘delighted’ at official opening of Newtown Primary School

The New Town Primary School was officially opened on Monday
The Newtown Primary School was officially opened on Monday

MP for the Roseau South Constituency, Joshua Francis, has expressed his delight at the official opening and commissioning of the newly constructed Newtown Primary School.

The ceremony took place on Monday, September 26.

Francis, who was at the function but did not address it, expressed his delight on Tuesday at the opening of the facility.

“I am delighted with a pleasant duty on behalf of the Roseau South Constituency, particularly Newtown and environs- to express my most sincere and profound gratitude to the Government of Dominica and the people’s Republic of China for the newly constructed Newtown Primary School,” he said. “The building provides new facilities and a better learning environment for students of the Newtown Primary School. The teachers, parents, students and the entire Newtown Community are excited about this modern facility. And as an educator, I am aware that this upgraded physical space has also improved the learning culture for our students.”

He added, “We must now exploit our collective human spirit to infuse the vision and passion that will raise the performance of our students. Our parents must invest more time and effort in the education of our children, while the school managers, Principal, and teachers should strive for nothing less than excellence.”

Francis said he has confidence that everyone will make full use of the facility, “not just for our students, but this modern and well-equipped building will be used for the general education of our community through multiple purposes such as social dialogues, panel discussions, and adult education.”

The school was funded through a $6-million grant from the People’s Republic of China.

It features fourteen classrooms, a library, science laboratory, art laboratory, kitchen and a sickbay. There is also full Wi-Fi access and a fully equipped computer room as well as personal computers for each teacher.

The school grounds were upgraded with a hard court and parking lot. The schoolyard is also fenced and a new roadway was constructed.

The new three-storey-high school also includes an elevator to provide access for physically challenged students.

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35 Comments

  1. October 5, 2016

    :) :) :) :) :) :) :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: 8-O 8-O 8-O 8-O 8-O 8-O :-P :-P :-P we was waiting on this school for long . ministry of education thanks alot we love u ; i am a student representing the newtown primary school

  2. Memory
    September 29, 2016

    It is not the students to take care of the school, it is the community and putting in place
    a good maintenance crew to take care of that property.

  3. UserName
    September 28, 2016

    The NTRC has the biggest problem on its hands at the moment in trying to decide on the way forward. The issue of wi-fi in the classroom now brings to the table a call for proposal for new national laws regulating electromagnetic field exposure generated by wireless technology (relay antennas, mobile phones, tablets …). Luckily we can all take a page from France’s bold move in January 2015
    http://ehtrust.org/france-new-national-law-bans-wifi-nursery-school/

  4. UserName
    September 28, 2016

    The medical fraternity must do the research and publicly inform. The DTA must now call for studying the impact of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, including the possible implications for schools and members- Occupational Health and Safety. It is rather ironic that Dominica would move speedily to embrace this technology when
    Schools across the world are hastily removing the industrial strength routers and replacing them with safe technology. “Wi-Fi environments will lead to high microwave exposure for students and teachers which might increase the burden of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress might slow down the energy production especially in brain cells and may lead e.g. to concentration difficulties and memory problems in certain individuals. The Austrian Medical Association recommends Wi-Fi free school environments.”- Gerd Oberfeld, MD, Public Health Department, Salzburg, Austria.
    http://www.safeinschool.org
    http://www.parentsforsafetechnology.org/wifi-free-schools.html

  5. UserName
    September 28, 2016

    A Critical observation: The use of Computers and IT in the school must be implemented in a safe manner!!!
    Research shows that autism, ADHD, and other behavioral problems are also associated with wireless radiation exposure (wi-fi). In May 2011 the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified radio frequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans (group 2B) based on increased risk of glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer. This classification applies to all RF emitting devices including wi-fi. http://wifiinschools.com/index.html
    Senior IARC committee chair, and public health scientist, states recently published evidence warrants the reclassification of wireless as a Class 2A probable human carcinogen. Doctors and Scientists around the world have warned against unnecessary exposure of children to RF/microwave from wireless technology and recommend safer WIRED internet connection instead, both in school and at home.
    http://www.safeinschool

  6. Dr Clayton Shillingford
    September 28, 2016

    Joshua Francis is correct. The Government is to be given credit when something positive and beneficial to the communities is provided..Equally we must be very vigilant and critical when they attempt to drift from the straight and narrow path

  7. Bumbble Lee
    September 28, 2016

    Is this a prime coat, or the real color?

  8. September 28, 2016

    Mr. Francis Sir, it is good to know that you are still interested with the things which is taking place in your constituency. I seem to be hearing from you, “that my people is people and I will join with them for their good regardless of who is head” Good attitude Sir, glorify God in all your ways, for it gives Him delight.

  9. September 28, 2016

    It features fourteen classrooms, a library, science laboratory, art laboratory, kitchen and a sickbay. There is also full Wi-Fi access and a fully equipped computer room as well as personal computers for each teacher–news article

    At reading that statement above, I think about how much more comfortable teaching and learning can be today. If only both teachers and learners could realize it–the fact information is right at the tip of our finger through a simple question about the subject which are dealing with

    People of Dominica let us strive to stay away from the gloom and darkness of the minds of those who are trying their best to feed it to us from day to day.

    We need a positive mind, if we are going to move forward and upwards –let us give thanks and gratitude to God for His great blessings and guidance, through all of those whom He has chosen to do so–such as the People’s Republic of China.

  10. Annoymous
    September 27, 2016

    Yah now change the time of school. So people who trying to get to Roseau not tied up in the traffic jam every morning once it 7 15

  11. September 27, 2016

    This is really great news for the the children, Chinese we say thanks.

  12. wil
    September 27, 2016

    Investment in education is always a good thing. Nice.

  13. A Doubting Thomas In Solidarity
    September 27, 2016

    How wonderful for the community of Newtown in the Roseau South Constituency.

    It is very impressive what this government is doing with the help of our good friends of The People Republic of China. I knew something good was happening or was about to happen when we heard the negative things making the news last week. It makes sense now.

    The color of the school building is beautiful. I like it. May the students, their teachers and parents spend many positive and happy days in their new school.

    This Labour Government is working for Dominica and her people. Thank you to our Benefactors and to our Government. Most of us appreciate you and what you doing.

    May God Bless You.

  14. Tell the Truth
    September 27, 2016

    Thank you to the D/ca Government and the People’s Republic of China for this new school. It will serve the teachers, the students and others who will utilize it very well.

  15. Frelance
    September 27, 2016

    I thought it was protocol and pure decency when a project is being officially opened in any constituency the Parliamentary representative is allowed to say a few remarks. Even before independence this had been the norm where there wasn’t a parl rep the Village Council Chair person would be next in line.. So whereas the school is welcomed the fact remains the Parl rep should have been allowed to say what he is saying now at the formal function and not after the fact. It just shows our political immaturity and hypocrisy. Just three days ago Blackmoore was calling for patriotic behaviour and for all to be participatory in the development process. He says it does not matter what colour you belong to or what political persuasion all must be allowed to play their part and less than a week gone and they doing the opposite. its not the first time it happen to Danny with the ground breaking for the new hospital. Joshau was there so it was his turned to be embarrassed by the cabal.

  16. DA citizen
    September 27, 2016

    But mr francis is representing from behind man?.Poor fellar he was not good enough to address the function last
    night though. So forget his statement too late.

  17. September 27, 2016

    Congratulations. Keep up the good work

  18. Sylvester Cadette
    September 27, 2016

    Great Achievement. Congrats to the Government and the People of Newtown Primary catchment area. Success to all the users (teachers, students & Community). Thanks to the donor country – China.

  19. September 27, 2016

    I donot support either parties I’m bipartisan but this is such a good thing that the people of China gave to you all why there are not more comments? If it was negative there would not be space to put my comment.

    • September 28, 2016

      For real? September 27, 2016

      It is obvious, the majority of people, who use these social networks, do not have a positively grounded mind –especially the younger generation, who prefers to indulge themselves in the things of negativity and gloom, which is fed to them by those who should know better.

      So with subjects like this one here, they have nothing of substance to reveal, how can they write comments? I agree with you.

  20. possie direct
    September 27, 2016

    “Francis, who was at the function but did not address it, expressed his delight on Tuesday at the opening of the facility.” Was Francis sick? Why was he present and not address the function? Is it because the political machinery of Skerrit and the DLP made him was unfit to do so?

    “I am delighted with a pleasant duty on behalf of the Roseau South Constituency, particularly Newtown and environs- to express my most sincere and profound gratitude to the Government of Dominica and the people’s Republic of China for the newly constructed Newtown Primary School.”

    Joshua you not taking shame man? Are you not an attorney? You mean to tell me they did not see you fit to be on their program as parlrep and you running with note in your pocket to congratulate the ones that disqualified you? Did you just do that to get under the skin of UWP? I would understand if you made that statement while addressing the audience but not after you were further embarrassed. It sure confirms your buyout.

  21. 1988
    September 27, 2016

    LOVE it…more pictures please :lol: :lol: :lol:

  22. It's My Damn Business
    September 27, 2016

    Very nice building but the color is too close to some funeral homes I see in the USA.

    While it was very nice to see Mr. Joshua Francis expressed his delight at the official opening of the newly constructed Newtown Primary School, and to see him take time to give kudos to the government for a job well done, I must say that I am profoundly disappointed with the politics seen in the opening.

    First, Mr. Francis is the parlrep and I firmly believe that pressure from him and the UWP played a significant role in getting the school as one would clearly remember former parlrep Ambrose George saying that the money was for a School in Thibaud. As parlrep, why was Mr. Francis not on the agenda to at least make that statement? Why was his presence not recognized? Francis had to go through a back door to express his gratitude to the government for the building, but said absolutely nothing about the role of the UWP in making it a reality. It is just bad politics all around.

  23. Smh
    September 27, 2016

    Welcomed improvement to my alma mater…thanks to the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Dominica. Hope present and future students, parents and teachers make the best of this facility!

  24. LifeandDeath
    September 27, 2016

    “The new three-storey high school…” ….I was a little confused there, but I understand it’s three storeys tall (high) and is a primary school not a secondary school….Good news for the people of Roseau South still.

    Thanks to the Government of Dominica and the PR of China for their support..Much power to the young people and the rest of the community.

    For the past few years I keep observing much of the capital investment construction projects in DA come from Grant funding (EU and other friendly Governments) yet the State’s money doesn’t seem to be making significant impact in other areas..Taxes and prices remain high..just an observation..

  25. JOSH SHAW
    September 27, 2016

    The new three-storey high school also includes an elevator to provide access for physically challenged students.

    High school? I thought that is a primary school!

    • Twiddle Dum
      September 27, 2016

      “Three-storey-high” meaning the building has a height of three storeys….

    • Anonymous
      September 27, 2016

      Three-storey high meaning three-storey tall.

      All through the article there is mention of primary school but you zero on one at the end and make yourself look like an idiot. lol

      It is a primary school, which is three-storey high, and not a secondary school.

      Hope you understand now. lol

      • Dominican
        September 27, 2016

        They don’t understand english

    • Dorival John
      September 27, 2016

      Bonjay, some ppl can really make themselves look stupid on DNO eh.

      Good thing no real names and photos are used. lol

    • September 27, 2016

      Will there be an elevator in the reconstruction Hospital ?

    • mi twaka
      September 27, 2016

      Idiot,it is three stories HIGH!

    • ??????.....
      September 27, 2016

      Yes Josh Shaw this is what it means three Story High. If it was secondary is the word. Hope you were not looking for something to criticize. High school is local way. The correct English word for high school is secondary school. Take note Josh Shaw.

    • nature_isl_girl
      September 27, 2016

      Josh Shaw, reading and comprehending are very FUNdamental! Try that next time :mrgreen:

  26. Betty Boop
    September 27, 2016

    Very nice. The colour is a bit loud but the facility itself is great. Kudos to the Government. This was long overdue.

    Let’s hope the students take care of the premises.

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