PARENTS and their children attending Parika-Salem Primary School, East Bank Essequibo, continued to protest yesterday over what they described as deplorable conditions there, by locking the gates and preventing access to the compound.

The action started on Monday when teachers and pupils locked out of the premises, demonstrated with placards, pleading for a new building.
Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle by telephone yesterday, Treasurer of the Parent/Teachers Association (PTA), Ms. Ingrid France said the situation at the school is deteriorating and they intend to continue protesting until it is addressed.
According to her, the institution has poor washroom amenities and there is a lack of potable water.
Additionally, France, who has two children attending classes there, said there is also overcrowding, with three or four pupils sitting on one bench in a classroom.
She stated that, some time ago, Education Minister Priya Manickchand paid a visit and made a promise but nothing has been done.
Efforts, by the Guyana Chronicle, to contact officials at the Central Ministry, as well as the Regional Education Department, proved futile.