$4.3M JvD Primary School officially opens!



Speaking at the opening ceremony for the multi-purpose educational facility, Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said despite the small student population, the school is being delivered as part of equity to the people of the sister islands as they deserve the same quality of education as their counterparts in other parts of the VI.
“A lot of times, individuals who live on these islands with smaller populations feel neglected. They feel as though their needs are not being adequately looked after. They feel ignored and they feel forgotten, and it is our duty as a government, our moral responsibility, to ensure that despite where you are in the Virgin Islands… you deserve the same quality of education and the same quality of public services from your government,” he said.
The Premier added, “As difficult as it may be and as much as it may cost, it is our responsibility to ensure that you have equity across the board,” he said.
The facility which started construction in 2022 not only has classrooms, but also offices and an auditorium to conduct school meetings and community meetings as well.
Well equipped building
Initial plans also indicated that the building would boast a resource center that would allow the students to be able to do library research.
The Premier said even though the population is small, Jost van Dyke is big and even though the facility will house just about 25 students, it is built to stand the test of time with proper maintenance and technological upgrades.
Meanwhile, Premier Wheatley said the facility can also withstand hurricanes and the associated hurricane-force winds.
“I want to congratulate the RDA For managing this project. The Chair, the CEO, and the staff of the RDA. I want to congratulate the contractor, Quality Construction, who has delivered so many projects on behalf of the RDA and behalf of the Government, give brother Roy Garraway a round of applause,” he said.
The Premier also recognised the Minister for Education, Hon Sharie B. deCastro (AL), and her entire team for their hard work and for fighting for the education sector.
Among the persons present for the opening ceremony were Deputy Premier Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism Hon Luce D. Hodge Smith (R4), Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Dr the Hon Karl Dawson (R1), Opposition Leader Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), Second District Representative Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) and Chief Education Officer Orlandette R. Crabbe.


26 Responses to “$4.3M JvD Primary School officially opens!”
@Premier your selfish it’s the whole Quality construction team deserves the round of applause
Not only your brother Roy !