NEW BASSETERRE HIGH SCHOOL WILL IMPROVE THE TEACHING AND LEARNING EXPERIENCE IN ST. KITTS AND NEVIS

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, May 23, 2019 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis strongly believes that the new state-of-the-art Basseterre High School (BHS), once completed, will revitalize the learning and teaching experience in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Plans for the construction of the new BHS at Ponds Estate in East Basseterre are progressing smoothly. The new facility will feature 32 classrooms and would provide a rich and conducive environment for all students.

Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris stated in a nationally televised interview that, “We would ensure that it has appropriate services for those of our students who are differently abled; we would ensure that in that modern school of the future no student is left behind and we would cater for the fact that we would not want people not just who are excellent at academics but that the technical and vocational skills can be developed.”

The prime minister is of the firm view that whatever talent or skill students may possess, the country’s educational system must provide the right environment that will help them to explore and nurture those talents.

“I feel a great sense of satisfaction that in the design for the new Basseterre High School, we recognized that music moves the world and music pulls all of us but our young persons mostly, and so we have provided in that school for two music centers to be available because we want to hone the talents of our young people that are musically inclined,” Dr. Harris added.

The new modern BHS will also feature four science labs, six computer labs, a dedicated lecture room, counselling and health service facilities, an auditorium with seating capacity for a minimum of 1,200 persons and upgraded sporting.

The prime minister further expressed that all experts are satisfied that the appropriate provisions have been made and that there is no environmental risk or threat as a result of the school’s construction.

“We will do what is best for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, and building the school is what is best for the future of St. Kitts and Nevis,” Prime Minister Harris said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, the Honourable Shawn Richards announced this week that the Development Planning and Control Board has made copies of the Environmental Impact Assessment report for the new BHS available to the general public for reading purposes only. The copies can be read at the library of the Development Planning and Control Board office, the Ministry of Education, the Charles A. Halbert Public Library, the offices of the Public Works Department and at the temporary BHS site during normal business hours.

Additionally, the Ministry of Education will be hosting a Community Forum on the construction of the new Basseterre High School on Wednesday, May 29 at 7pm at the Tucker Clarke Primary School.