PM Opens Upgraded Schools In Central Manchester

The Government has completed reconstruction and classroom expansion works at Zion Hill Primary and McIntosh Memorial Primary schools in Central Manchester at a cost of over $45 million.

The facilities were formally opened by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, during dedication ceremonies held at both institutions on Friday, November 27.

The Zion Hill Primary reconstruction project, undertaken at a cost of over $20 million, entailed replacement of the original school building, which had deteriorated extensively, with a new structure that will accommodate the 172 enrolled students, teachers, and ancillary staff.

Eight additional classrooms have been built at McIntosh Memorial Primary School, situated in the community of Royal Flats, at a cost of over $25 million.

They will provide space for the approximately 1, 200 students enrolled at the institution, which is affiliated with the Manchester Circuit of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Jamaica.

The facilities are among some 700 new classroom spaces, which Prime Minister Simpson Miller said her administration, through the Education Ministry, has provided in Manchester, during 2015.

She said that these developments represent the “laying (of) firm building blocks for Jamaica’s development,” adding “I am happy that the staff and students of (these schools) now have better facilities that will improve teaching and learning outcomes.”

Mrs. Simpson Miller lauded the partnerships forged by the Government with the church and communities, which facilitated the projects.

She also commended the Education Minister, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, the Ministry’s staff, as well as the boards, administrators, and teachers of those and other schools, on their work resulting in “the many successes that have been made in education.”

The Prime Minister said Jamaica’s future success is contingent on significant development of the citizens’ knowledge, skills, and creativity.

“Let us continue to press forward with the strong relationships that are building a better education sector. Our job, as Government, is to provide our youth with a strong foundation of education. With that foundation, they can achieve…whatever they envision,” Mrs. Simpson Miller added.

For his part, Rev. Thwaites said the Ministry is committed to ensuring that children in rural communities have access to a high standard of education and quality schools.

National Security Minister and Central Manchester Member of Parliament, Hon. Peter Bunting, said he is heartened by the support in advancing  education in the region and “for the next generation of citizens of Jamaica.”