NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Ministry of Education and Technical & Vocational Training is preparing for resumption of face-to-face instruction in public schools but only when health officials give the go ahead and provide health protocols for a safe environment.

 The Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin, Minister of Education and Technical & Vocational Training addressed the “urgent” matter in her contribution to the House of Assembly Wednesday, November 3.

Minister Hanna Martin said it is her hope that the Ministry would be able to announce a date “very soon.”

Moreover, she noted that several schools throughout the country will not be able to reopen promptly due to the unsatisfactory state of repair and, in some instances, select schools will not be ready until early next year.  They are LW Young Junior High, Yellow Elder Primary, CW Sawyer Primary, Ridgeland Primary, Sybil Strachan Primary, Uriah McPhee Primary, SC McPherson Jr. High, Gerald Cash Primary, George Town Primary, LN Coakley High and the Centre for The Deaf.

“It is very unfortunate and disappointing that the previous administration did not cause for the annual school repair exercise to be undertaken expeditiously and there has been egregious neglect.

“Since taking office and assuming responsibility for this state of affairs, we have been collaborating closely with the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Finance to accelerate these works and we will do our utmost to minimize disruption due to circumstances which have been beyond our control,” she said.

Minister Hanna-Martin informed that a strategy to cause for year-round maintenance to avoid the cycle of massive deterioration and the expenditure of millions annually will be further communicated.