KSAC Labours with Bull Bay Residents at St. Tekle Haimanot
By: , May 24, 2016The Key Point:
Photo: Yhomo Hutchinson
Mayor of Kingston, Senator Dr. Angela Brown Burke (2nd right), participates in digging a trench for construction of an earth drain at the St. Tekle Haimanot Early Childhood Development Centre in Taylor Lands, Bull Bay, St. Andrew yesterday (May 23). At right is Town Clerk, Robert Hill, while the school’s Principal, Garfield Bennett (left), captures the moment on his camera phone. The school was the main activity for the KSAC for Labour Day 2016.The Facts
- Mayor Brown Burke said the clean-up activities will also assist the Government’s thrust to rid communities of mosquito breeding sites, in light of vector-borne illnesses such as Zika Virus.
- For her part, Councillor for the Dallas Division, East Rural St. Andrew, Patricia Morgan, said the clean-up exercise, which entailed communities surrounding St. Tekle Haimanot, was being done to ensure that the school environment is clean and conducive to learning.
The Full Story
Representatives of the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) joined residents of Taylor Lands, Bull Bay in carrying out cleaning and beautification work at the St. Tekle Haimanot Early Childhood Development Centre yesterday (May 23).
Work got underway early in the morning with the removal of bulky waste, re-painting of the exterior of the building and the perimeter wall, replacing old doors, and clearing a nearby playfield used by the students.
An earth drain was also constructed, which will help to deal with water drainage issues on the compound.
Mayor of Kingston, Senator Dr. Angela Brown Burke replaced her gavel with a shovel to join in the activities at the school, which was the KSAC’s 2016 Labour Day project.
She told JIS News that she had paid a visit to St. Tekle Haimanot several months ago and saw the needs. It was decided that it would be worthwhile for the KSAC to augment the rehabilitative work that had already begun at the school.
Mayor Brown Burke said the clean-up activities will also assist the Government’s thrust to rid communities of mosquito breeding sites, in light of vector-borne illnesses such as Zika Virus.
She noted that the interior of the building will be painted at the school’s convenience, and disinfectant and other cleaning agents will be provided to assist with maintaining the cleanliness of the grounds.
Principal, Garfield Bennett, who is affectionately called “Uncle Shawn” by students and residents, said he is pleased that the school was selected as KSAC’s main project.
He told JIS News that the institution, which has its origins in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, was formed in 1982 in St. Thomas, and then relocated to St. Andrew.
Mr. Bennett expressed the hope that with this facelift, the school, which has 54 students on roll, will see an increase in attendance come September. He noted that the school can accommodate up to 120 students.
For her part, Councillor for the Dallas Division, East Rural St. Andrew, Patricia Morgan, said the clean-up exercise, which entailed communities surrounding St. Tekle Haimanot, was being done to ensure that the school environment is clean and conducive to learning.
Labour Day is being observed under the theme: ‘For Health’s Sake, Keep It Clean’.