Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) has signed two contracts, totalling $275 million, for construction of the new Mount Salem Infant School in St. James and road safety works at the St. Catherine-based Old Harbour Primary School.
The projects fall under the 10th cycle of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)-funded Basic Needs Trust Fund, which is being implemented by JSIF.
The signing ceremony was held on Tuesday (February 11) at the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, at Heroes Circle in Kingston.
Portfolio Minister, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, who addressed the ceremony, shared that the projects mark a significant step in advancing access to quality education and ensuring the safety and well-being of students.
“This is money well-spent and again, we thank JSIF for that,” she said.
Dr. Morris Dixon charged JSIF to consider climate resilience when implementing current and future projects.
“The reality of climate change demands that we approach all development projects with sustainability and resilience in mind. Our schools and roadways must be designed to withstand the increasing threats of extreme weather conditions – stronger hurricanes, heavier rainfall and rising temperatures. The multimillion-dollar investment we are signing off on today must serve generations to come,” she said.
In his remarks, JSIF Managing Director, Omar Sweeney, shared that since the Fund’s establishment in 1995, more than 40 per cent of its budget has gone to schools across Jamaica.
At Old Harbour Primary, the works will be undertaken at a cost of $89.2 million under the Safe Passage Project and includes waiting sheds, street signs, crosswalks, stop bars, murals and a pedestrian bridge.
These features, Mr. Sweeny said, “will provide safe passage for children as they leave the school gate to get to their mode of transportation, or even if they are walking home, they can leave and arrive safe”.
Meanwhile, he said construction of the new Mount Salem Infant School, at a cost of $185.8 million, is critical to the community and will benefit some 117 students.
At present, it is the only government-owned institution in the area, and there is a high demand for placement.
The students share a classroom block with Mount Salem Primary School, which is a less-than-ideal situation and in breach of the Early Childhood Commission’s standards.
“Beyond the physical environment, it is important that we improve the educational outcomes at the school, and so, we will continue to work with the Early Childhood Commission and the Ministry, in terms of curriculum development,” Mr. Sweeney said.
Member of Parliament for St. James Central, Heroy Clarke, said he lobbied for the infant school for years and is thrilled to see the project coming to fruition.
“This new block of classrooms will provide a conducive learning environment, equipped with modern facilities and technology to enhance the teaching and learning experience. This project is a shining example of what can be achieved when we work together,” Mr. Clarke said.
Member of Parliament for St. James West Central, Marlene Malahoo Forte, said the community of Mount Salem has been undergoing transformation, resulting in renewed pride among the people.
“I’m excited about this school… . Let me just add how pleased I am to see that we’re at this stage where we will be proceeding with the construction of the new facilities. It is no secret that we have to transform education and the transformation is on many levels, but, in particular, the physical infrastructure, which provides the holding ground for our students and our teachers and all the support staff,” Mrs. Malahoo Forte said.