BUT frustrated over last-minute school repairs

The Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) has welcomed upgrades carried out at more than 25 primary and secondary schools over the summer vacation but has raised concerns about work continuing just days before students returned to the classroom. BUT President Rudy Lovell said the union was frustrated that some projects extended into Planning Week, September 1 to 4, while others were only completed over the weekend. He said the late work made it difficult for teachers to properly prepare their classrooms for the new school term. “This situation significantly hinders effective on-site planning, as teachers are unable to properly organise, arrange, and prepare their teaching spaces in preparation for the new school term due to the inconvenience caused by ongoing works,” Lovell said. The union also raised health and safety concerns about construction and maintenance work being completed shortly before schools reopened. “Dust, fumes, and cleaning agents may remain in the environment, potentially affecting the well-being of teachers and other school personnel who are required to return to the premises,” Lovell said. Despite its concerns, the BUT said it hoped the upgrades would be of a high standard and would not require further attention in the near future. Lovell called for future school improvement projects to be better planned and monitored so they could be completed during vacation periods and schools would be ready for the return of teachers and students.