‘We are still on track for September’- Premier

‘Yes…It is realistic,” Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) responded at a press conference on August 8, 2022, when asked if the buildings would be ready for the new school year.

“Let me just say that I think the Recovery and Development Agency, who is managing the project, and the contractors are doing an excellent job. I know they had to wait a little while for the windows and doors. They may have a slight delay but we are still on track for September.

RDA & contractors ‘doing the impossible’

“Many persons say it is not possible but I think they are doing the impossible right now, with the quick work to get the school up and ready,” Dr Wheatley added.

The Premier noted that the current ESHS Project is a shining example of the type of management by the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA).

‘Because no one thought that a project of that size would be done in the space of time it is being done and it is a testament to the management of the RDA and their skill and the processes they have in place.”

Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) had said during the Sixth Sitting of the Fourth Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) at Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom, Tortola on July 21, 2022, that the ESHS building project, which has been progressing rapidly since it began on April 4, 2022, is about 70% complete.

One of the buildings of the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) building project photographed on August 9, 2022.

Many persons taking a look at the construction of the new Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) buildings would get the impression the buildings would not be ready for the September school term. The National Unity Government has faith the buildings will be ready.

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has said the RDA and contractors are doing the impossible in getting the new ESHS buildings ready for the new school year which starts early next month.