Terrence Ollivierre, MP for the Southern Grenadines, has voiced strong opposition to the government’s plan to temporarily relocate Union Island students to mainland St. Vincent for schooling. This decision follows the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl, which left 98% of Union Island’s buildings severely damaged or destroyed.
During a press briefing on July 17, Ollivierre emphasized his preference for keeping students within their familiar environment, despite the extensive damage to schools on Union Island and Canouan. “Whatever temporary structures need to be built, they should be on the islands. This will help the community to begin the process of rebuilding their lives,” Ollivierre stated.
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, in a national update on July 14, noted that the school on Canouan is expected to be ready by September, thanks to a US$15 million pledge from a local resident for clean-up and rebuilding efforts. The primary school in Mayreau will also receive attention under the same project.
However, the situation on Union Island remains dire. With 250 primary school students and 202 secondary school students, Gonsalves admitted that restoring the schools there is unlikely due to the pressing need for housing and other community necessities. Consequently, the government has allocated funds from a Supplementary Estimates and Supplementary Appropriation Bill to refurbish the old teacher’s college on the mainland. This facility will temporarily house the displaced students, with primary and secondary students separated within the building.
To accommodate the 450 students, their parents, and the teachers—totaling around 1,000 people—the Ministry of Tourism has been directed to secure sufficient space in guest houses for the next ten months. This arrangement aims to provide a semblance of stability and support during the ongoing recovery efforts.