Parliament has given its full support to a private member’s motion asking that the government include funds in its next budget for a new high school in West Bay.
McKeeva Bush, MP for West Bay West, moved the motion on Thursday, 27 April, which asked the government to consider the planning process now to build and operate the school within four years.
He told Parliament during the second day of last week’s session that he understands the government does not have a “bottomless pit of revenue”.
“In these economic conditions the world over, we can’t be willy nilly about what we want, what we can afford and how we can get it,” he said.
The most prudent building planning and practices must be employed, he said, but stressed that the motion is aimed at improving the quality of life of people in West Bay.
Bush spoke of past efforts to build a school in West Bay, referring in particular to Beulah Smith High School, which was designed during the Progressives administration in 2005.
The school was slated for completion in 2007 but the build was subject to delays and eventually its shelving was announced in the 2008 Strategic Policy Statement.
The independent MP said he hopes the new school will improve quality of teaching and learning, student behaviour and exam outcomes as well as act as a hurricane shelter.
He also predicts the school will improve sporting competition, provide a hub for the community and lessen traffic congestion in the district, which has a population of 13,000.
Speaking next on behalf of the government was Deputy Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly.
She explained that the build of the school will be contracted out while the government will be in control of its operation.
As for the timeframe, she said, “I can certainly give commitment for the first two years of the four years.
“But I am confident that at least three of the four West Bay members can carry on… as he too has declared to exit the political scene,” she said, referring to Bush.
O’Connor-Connolly, who is also the Minister for Education, said, “We are fully cognisant that the journey in education to excellence has to be a continuous one.”
She said she will do “all within my power” to get the project moving forward and have a groundbreaking within the next two years.
Bernie Bush, Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage, said he was very happy when he first become aware of the motion, describing it as “not a want, a need”.
And André Ebanks, Minister for Financial Services and Commerce, said a caucus will be formed to help to ensure that preparations are put in place to start the project.
Bush, in his response, suggested hosting a district meeting to get feedback from the community and said he will elaborate in the future on the specifics of the build.
Members of Parliament from both sides unanimously voted in favour of the motion.
Related Videos
