COMPREHENSIVE renovations are underway at the Entrepot Secondary School in Marchand, Castries East, to transform the school into a modern learning environment with necessary enhancements to address failing conditions.
With almost 50 years of service, this academic institution’s facilities require considerable upgrades, since they have long suffered from structural flaws and obsolete amenities.
Prime Minister and Castries East MP Philip J. Pierre, along with Education Minister Shawn Edward, are prioritising the rehabilitation of this critical educational institution. This endeavour is consistent with the government’s commitment to enhancing education across the country and marks a watershed moment for the school’s future.
Principal Arthur Scott emphasised the school’s history, stating that it has progressed from a Junior Secondary School established in 1972 to a full-fledged secondary institution.
“We are still contending with the remnants of the old school,” he remarked, emphasising the importance of prompt restorations. Scott pointed out that the original construction, which was supposed to last 15 to 25 years, had significantly exceeded its lifespan at 53 years.
“We have effectively doubled the period for our school building,” he told said.
The planned upgrades will provide modern facilities on campus, directly addressing issues of congestion, outmoded resources, and insufficient classroom space.
“This project ensures provisions for accommodating children with disabilities,” Scott said, adding, “We are integrating features that allow for accessibility, including elevator access for students and parents with disabilities. The principal’s office will be strategically located on the ground floor for easy access.”
This effort, designed for long-term viability and future adaptability, will provide students with a modern learning environment that promotes academic performance.
Pawan Dosii, Project Manager at Rayneau Construction, explained the magnitude of the renovations, which included a three-story building with each floor spanning around 5,000 to 6,000 square feet. The principal’s office, cafeteria, bathrooms, and teacher facilities will all be located in one block of the new construction.
“This facility will be climate-resilient and (will) serve as a hurricane shelter during emergencies, featuring a concrete roof,” Dosii asserted. “It is a forward-thinking construction that will integrate future-ready amenities, including solar power capabilities.”
With work now started, this effort represents a strong new chapter for the Entrepot Secondary School, encouraging teachers and students to thrive in a well-equipped setting.
This initiative is part of a bigger strategy for Castries East, where MP Pierre is committed to investing in infrastructure, social services, and economic opportunities that will benefit the community.
At the national level, the government remains committed to ensuring that every child has access to a modern learning environment.
Nobel Laureate Sir Arthur Lewis correctly observed that “the cure for poverty is not money, but knowledge.”
[R.A].