SEVERAL schools across the country did not reopen yesterday but most did despite the effects of the heavy end-of-year rainfall, Education Minister Shaik Baksh reported.

He disclosed that Waramuri Primary annex in Region One (Barima/Waini) and Lilydale Primary in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) were closed but the other schools in the two regions were reopened.

Baksh said reports from his officers in Regions One and Two indicate that the turnout by teachers and children was just above 73 per cent.

In Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice), he said schools along Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary Rivers and Mortice Primary were also closed for the same reason.

Baksh pointed out that all the other schools in that region resumed classes and attendance by pupils and teachers was 60 and 70 per cent, respectively.

He said, in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), unlike in the other schools, conditions caused by the inclement weather forced Bohemia Nursery and Primary schools to keep their doors closed.

In Georgetown, Baksh revealed that all schools, except St. Agnes Primary and part of St. Rose’s High, which were both affected by heavy rains in recent days, are open.

He said the attendance of schoolchildren and teachers in Region Six and Georgetown were recorded as “good” and “very good” in that order.

Baksh said the remaining schools in Regions Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands), Four (Demerara/Mahaica), Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), Eight (Potato/Siparuni), Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) and Ten (Upper Demerara/ Berbice) all opened, recording that about 85 per cent of children and teachers attended.