Before COVID-19 restricted students from physical school in March 2020, those attending the South East Port-of- Spain Government Secondary School were facing other issues, such as the socio-economic status of students and crime.
In late 2019, a stray bullet entered a classroom. The incident left students and teachers traumatised and there was heightened security at the school.
As a result, the Ministry of Education installed concrete louvre ventilation blocks at the school and classes for Forms Five and Six students were relocated to the University of Trinidad and Tobago John Donaldson Campus, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain.
At the time, the T&T T Unified Teacher’s Association (TTUTA) asked for the permanent relocation of the school as the president said the fixtures were not enough.
According to acting chief education officer Lisa Henry-David removing the school from its present location on Nelson Street, Port- of-Spain, would take much more than just changing buildings.
Henry-David said the movement to John D was a temporary measure.
At the second virtual public hearing of the Joint Select Committee on Human Rights Equality and Diversity’s inquiry into the underachievement of schools in Port-of-Spain and environs, Henry-David said when the school was established, at that point, the unfortunate occurrences of crime did not exist.
She said to assist the students affected by these social issues the ministry provides, transport and meals.
President of TTUTA Antonia Tekah-De Freitas agreed with Henry-David.
She said that community was at a totally different standard and nature when the school– a heritage building, was constructed.
She said the evolving dynamics of the surroundings have changed the school.
According to TTUTTA and the ministry, the academics at the school remain at the same level.
Although the TTUTA president originally called for the relocation of the school, she now agrees with the Ministry of Education that a change of address would not solve the problems of the students.
They said it would take an all-hands-on-deck approach to help students of South East Port-of-Spain Secondary School.