On Thursday, February 6th, students at Canouan Government School were sent home after the school was once again left without water. The decision to close the institution was made by Ian Rynd, the school’s, senior teacher , steward and husband of the headteacher, who cited ongoing health concerns and the lack of a reliable water supply.
“This has been going on for too long, and the Education Department is fully aware of the situation, yet nothing is being done,” Rhynd told ANN.
Despite the presence of three black water tanks on the compound, they remain empty. As a temporary solution, staff have resorted to filling blue drums to ensure toilets can be flushed for both students and cleaners. However, with foot-and-mouth disease circulating, Rynd emphasized that he was unwilling to risk the health of the children.
The head of the Teachers’ Union has also taken a stand on the issue. In a video message, Union President Oswald Robinson declared, “On behalf of the executive, we have instructed that your school remain closed. The school is once again without water, and the health of teachers and students is of utmost importance. Until the Ministry and the Government take this issue seriously, we cannot continue under these conditions.”
Adding to the frustration, Senior Teacher Rhynd revealed that a water truck arrived at the schools to supply water after the fact
Why do we have to reach this point just to get water?” he questioned.
With no immediate solution in sight, the closure of Canouan Government School highlights the urgent need for the authorities to address the ongoing water crisis. Parents, teachers, and students now await decisive action from the Ministry of Education to ensure a safe and hygienic learning environment.
Calls to the Minister and the PS in the Ministry of Education went unanswered