Why not “err on the side of caution” with Cayon High School too?

St. Kitts Nevis Labour representative for Constituency 8, Dr. Terrance Drew, is trying to determine why the current government has not decided to ‘err on the side of caution’ and lobby for a new Cayon High School, as was the argument put forward to justify a push to construct a new Basseterre High School.

Drew’s pondering came in the wake of government officials, headed by Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris, touring the school, which is still closed as a result of mold contamination, to assess work being done.

The team was clad in protective face masks.

Dr Drew in a posting on social media pointed out that it was in 2018 that teachers, staff and students were becoming sick at the Cayon High School.

“Testing was done at the school by the local scientists who confirmed high levels of mold and other environmental health hazards. I did not speak about the situation because I thought that even though it might seem politically advantageous, I decided to wait and give the authorities a chance to respond. Up until July nothing was done. The teachers were promised that all will be rectify by the time school opens (on September 2, 2019). Fast-forward to the week before school opened and teachers were being forced to go back to the school by the authorities even though they knew that the school might not be safe,” said Dr Drew.

He pointed out that the teachers rightfully stood their ground and refused to enter, forcing the school to be tested which revealed mold.

The community of Cayon “is hurting because of failure, incompetence and lack of care.”

“That discussion for a significant upgrade of the Cayon High School be done, including a new High School. That a nurse be placed at the school and that CXC be informed of the psychological stress of the students and teachers,” Drew reiterated.

He also encouraged teachers, students and workers be checked ASAP and advocated for the government to pay for medical costs incurred.”