The redevelopment of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School has encountered delays, and a start date for the construction phase remains undetermined, according to Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Hon. Sharie De Castro.
Speaking during a recent House of Assembly session, Minister De Castro responded to a question posed by Deputy Speaker and Territorial At-Large Representative, Hon. Stacey Mather, where she explained that the project—managed by Unite BVI—is still in the design stage. The organization is currently finalizing costings and approvals from relevant stakeholders before moving forward.
The redevelopment is part of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Virgin Islands and Unite BVI, signed in January 2024. The agreement aims to implement infrastructural, technological, and human resource upgrades to the territory’s education system, with the Althea Scatliffe Primary School project being the first major initiative.
Minister De Castro expressed confidence in Unite BVI’s ability to execute the project, citing their impressive track record in previous infrastructure developments.
During the session, Sixth District Representative, Hon. Myron Walwyn, followed up with a question regarding whether a structural assessment was conducted before the school’s demolition in April 2023 and if an estimated cost of the demolition was available.
Minister De Castro confirmed that an assessment had been conducted but stated that the cost of demolition was not readily available at the time of her remarks.
Minister De Castro emphasized the urgency in addressing the infrastructural concerns at the Althea Scatliffe Primary School, particularly following a roof collapse incident in a classroom.
While there is no confirmed start date for construction, the education minister noted that her ministry remains committed to seeing the project through.