New Classrooms To Be Built At St. James High

A $10 million contract was signed on February 19 between the Ministry of Education and Marken Construction Limited, for the building of a new classroom block at St. James High School, in Montego Bay, St. James.

Work is expected to commence  before the end of this month and should be completed by June 30.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, held at the school, Education Minister, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, said the new classrooms will put St. James High one step closer to the elimination of the current double shift system.

“St. James High has been the Cinderella of the education system in Montego Bay. It is overcrowded and therefore we must do something to relieve that. I can’t promise that in September you will be off shift, but I can promise that by the next year you will be,” the Minister said.

He lauded the school community for its efforts in raising the  $10 million which will be used to construct the new building.

The Minister urged the contractor  to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget, and that the quality of work can stand up to the highest scrutiny.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the St. James High School Board, Rev. Conrad Pitkin, hailed the signing.

“With the growth of the school and the expanding population there is a need for additional classrooms. We went ahead looking at a plan that was drawn many years ago and passed for  six classrooms. Today is the reality of the hard work of the Board and of the Principal and members of staff,” he said.

Rev. Pitkin expressed thanks to the Ministry of Education for giving the Board approval to move ahead with the construction of the classrooms.

St. James High has a student population  of 2,185 and a complement of 104 teachers.