The A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Parliamentary Opposition says it looks forward to “swift and impartial investigation, free from political interference” into the fire that gutted the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School yesterday.
It added that should such an investigation require the prosecution of any perpetrator(s), the party looks forward to them facing the full extent of the law.
The coalition also said that it stands ready to offer moral support to those affected.
“While the Coalition is thankful that there were no human casualties, we are devastated for the students, teachers, school administrators, and parents who are now without their beloved, historic, landmark school. For the students currently writing the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, we empathise with you and avail ourselves to providing the necessary moral support at this time.”
It added, “We understand that this devastating loss may seem discouraging, but we encourage you to demonstrate resilience and overcome this obstacle. Let not this hurdle cause you to become disheartened, let it instead imbue you with resolve to rise above this most inopportune challenge.”
The coalition is appealing to the Government and the Education Minister, Priya Manickchand to spare no effort in ensuring that the students, teachers, administrators, and parents are provided with all the requisite support and counseling to enable them to recover and resume their pursuit and delivery of education.
“The PPP administration has a solemn duty to ensure that the students are not neglected after this devastating misfortune and that they are provided with every resource to not only manage but to thrive and excel. We implore the PPP administration to immediately commence plans for the design and rebuilding of the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School and for the new facility to be modern and world-class in every respect and one where the delivery of education can be a source of pride for all Guyanese society.”
Minister Manickchand has already committed to making all necessary arrangements to ensure that this incident does not disrupt students particularly those who will be writing their CSEC examinations and committed to providing whatever support the school will need moving forward.
