The donation—accepted in the presence of RDA officials—will cover the installation of twelve modular containers which will serve as the temporary music classrooms and the release noted that Chief Executive Officer of the RDA, Mr Paul D. Bayly had presented the contract to Minister Natalio D. Wheatley at a June 19, 2019, ceremony. Photo: Facebook

The entire project will cost some $221, 801.00 under an RDA signed contract, and this was made possible through donations from Unite BVI and BVI alliance. Photo: Provided

The boost, likely to be implemented for the 2019/2010 school term, will come in the form of modular container classrooms and is expected to be in the territory by the end of August 2019, according to Colene A. Penn, Head of Communications at the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA).

The entire project will cost some $221, 801.00 under an RDA signed contract, and this was made possible through donations from Unite BVI and BVI alliance.

Generous Gift  

According to the RDA through a media release, “The Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) can continue to provide its renowned music programme following a generous donation by community-minded organisations.” 

The donation—accepted in the presence of RDA officials—will cover the installation of twelve modular containers which will serve as the temporary music classrooms and the release noted that Chief Executive Officer of the RDA, Mr Paul D. Bayly had presented the contract to Minister Wheatley at a June 19, 2019, ceremony.

Speaking to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO), Hon Wheatley said that with the donation, “Next two years I want the facilities fixed.”

While imploring that the music programme at the school was already doing an excellent job, he said, “The programme has produced some of the finest musicians in the Caribbean.”

Temporary Classrooms

Speaking on behalf of the donors, Partnerships Manager of Unite BVI Ms Lauren Keil said, "It is a privilege to be in a position to help the students of Elmore Stoutt High School, who are most deserving".

“The temporary music classrooms will be installed on the concrete slab recently cleared by Autland Heavy Equipment Co. Ltd. and is part of the overall vision to improve the learning conditions of students and end the shift system at ESHS,” the release further went on to say.

However, while the classrooms will only be in the interim until ESHS is fully repaired, in a post-Irma Virgin Islands (VI) still suffering from the ravages of a category 5 hurricane, many may wonder if spending $221K on temporary facilities, is money well spent.