AS the new school term kicks off, the building which will house Camille’s Institute for Business and Science Studies is still being constructed.

The school is now located in the Diamond Junior Staff Compound, on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).
Although their teachers and students, which include infants are still attending school, concerns have been raised that their health and lives are in jeopardy, as it is unsafe to carry out construction while persons are being accommodated in the building.
Camille’s Institute provides education for all ages of children in nursery, primary and secondary; their services also include a daycare centre.
The present location of the school is in a private compound, and persons living there are furious at the fact that a school has been constructed in their oasis.

However the private school branch at Diamond was initially only supposed to facilitate students from day -care to kindergarten level, but is currently housing school pupils at a secondary level at the property, thereby breaching its terms.
One villager noted that she does not want the school in their area because they cannot understand how these people are getting permission to build a school here; the school is located close to houses and the noise is her concern. Further, residents in the compound were never informed of a school being built in the area and she fears that their interests are not being considered. They are however, afraid to speak out because she said the school is owned by “money people”.
One worried resident wondered, “Why is it that parents are not concerned for their children in the building; that it shouldn’t be opened until it’s completed? Why are mothers sending their babies to a daycare that consists of a construction environment, which is a health hazard? I’m sure parents pay a lot of money to send these children to private schools, thus the children’s welfare should be first preference.”
A concerned parent remarked that she would be keeping her daughter at home after seeing the current condition of the school, and won’t be sending her back until it’s completely finished and safe for her child.
Also, persons are concerned that the playground for the children is close to the construction site, which is usually surrounded by wood and construction debris.
Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Parmanand Baboolall, NDC Overseer for the Grove/Diamond Neighbourhood Democratic Council noted that the school had applied to the Ministry of Housing for the lot allocated, which is currently pending.
Mr. Baboolall also noted that the institute had applied for the lot to be used as a residential building, but is now being used for a school. He disclosed that the matter is in the hands of the public health officer, because the school is being built without the correct documentation.
He also noted that proprietors of the school have not been granted such permission, but still went ahead with the construction and operations.

(By Celestine Juan)