Principal bemoans vandalism at Old Harbour institution

• CLICK HERE AND Join Old Harbour News WhatsApp Channel for breaking news directly to your phone as it happens and for updates and the best pictures.

With incidents including the destruction of pipes, theft of essential equipment, and even burglaries of classrooms and the kitchen, the school community faces an ongoing crisis that threatens the educational environment of its 467 students.

Clarke-Morrison, who has been at the school since January 2021, described the situation as a "recurring decimal" that has intensified over the years.

She lamented that vandalism has always been an issue, but contends it feels personal in an interview of with Old Harbour News.

The school's infrastructure has been compromised, with the compound becoming an easy target for vandals and thieves, particularly during weekends.

She added: “The school is an easy target because it is open in the sense that we need fencing on three sides: by the gully, the back and on one side. Even the remaining fence has been compromised due to the passage of Hurricane Beryl so we are like sitting ducks.

“Over the years, it has become the community shortcut and especially on the weekends, the compound is wide open. It is like a public thoroughfare. And being almost a public thoroughfare, people who pass through the compound do and take whatever they want and feel that they have a right to. Recently the National Water Commission (NWC) told us that our water bill is extremely high and that is because people are taking the water from the tank.”

Despite having some security measures in place, the school cannot afford full-time security coverage. Current arrangements provide watchmen from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm, leaving the facility vulnerable during the night. This lack of protection has led to repeated thefts.

The headmaster went on to emphasize the urgent need for community engagement and support to combat these challenges. She hopes to foster meaningful dialogue with local residents to create a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the school.

“These people have a totally different mindset and we have to work to change that. We have to talk to the parents as it is their children that are being affected. I want them to buy into the vision that good education comes from this school. I want them to own the school so that they will protect the school as it is their children and grandchildren going here. This is theirs,” said Clarke-Morrison.

“Some of them have a mentality that they should walk anywhere. They think it is their walkway but they need to understand and see the bigger picture. It is not a matter of us versus them or them versus the school. It is not we keeping them but rather us protecting the students. The children need to feel safe and protected. It is about a partnership so since the school is theirs when they break it down, they are destroying not only their own property but also their own legacy.”

The history of Old Harbour Bay Primary School is rich, with many community leaders having emerged from its halls.

The principal believes that by encouraging parents and community members to take an active role in safeguarding the school, they can help create a secure and supportive atmosphere for all students.

As the situation continues to deteriorate, the school plans to install surveillance cameras at key access points in a bid to deter further incidents. However, community involvement is critical. Clarke-Morrison calls on past students, local businesses, and residents to volunteer their time and skills to protect this vital institution.

The school invites anyone interested in contributing to reach out and get involved, whether through volunteering, attending community meetings, or participating in local initiatives aimed at fostering a safer environment for Old Harbour Bay Primary School that will serve to protect its future and legacy of education in the island’s largest fishing community.

Less than two days after speaking with the principal, thieves struck again. This time they stole the television out of a grade one classroom. The situation is obviously dire as something drastic needs to be done to mitigate school’s operation from possibly grinding to a painful halt.