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Director of Education Shocked by Sudden Closure of St. Andrews Primary School

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Director of Education Clare Browne

Director of Education, Clare Browne, expressed surprise at the abrupt announcement regarding the closure of St. Andrews Primary School, revealing that no one in the Ministry of Education had prior knowledge of the decision.

Teachers and parents were left stunned Friday after Andrea Walter, principal of St. Andrew’s School, notified staff that the school would be closing its doors with immediate effect. The abrupt announcement has sparked outrage and confusion, with many linking the closure to a long-standing dispute over unpaid wages and recent union involvement.

He emphasized the importance of communication within the educational community and indicated that the Education Officer responsible, Emil Michael, was only informed of the situation on Friday through a phone call from Principal Andrea Walter.

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Browne mentioned that Walter and Michael are scheduled to meet on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the matter further.

In response to the school’s financial struggles, Browne noted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the institution and acknowledged the efforts made by the management to keep the school operational despite significant challenges.

The Ministry is now exploring various options to potentially integrate St. Andrews into the public school system as a means to preserve its legacy and support the community it serves.

This story was first published by Antigua News on June 10, 2025: antigua.news/2025/06/10/director-of-education-shocked-by-sudden-closure-of-st-andrews-primary-school. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.

Comments (11)

  • Antigua Surf June 10, 2025, 6:56 AM

    I hope this becomes successful! I mean, what about all the students who’ve already gone far? And in the middle of exams time is not a time to close a school!
    Reply

  • Terry June 10, 2025, 7:25 AM

    This shocked me as well. And I find it very crazy that such a thing can happen
    Reply

    • Unruly One June 10, 2025, 1:22 PM

      Its just crazy that they could not. Wait until the school year was finished! Sigh
      Reply

  • Justice June 10, 2025, 7:32 AM

    Director of Education Clare Browne I hope you work something out for all affected as you too went through your own share and had to remove your child from the institution.
    Reply

  • Apex Jones June 10, 2025, 9:27 AM

    Isn’t the whole idea of st Andrews is to be a PRIVATE school. So does the government think that if they make it public people will leave their children there? HELL NO THEY WONT
    Reply

    • Tamisha June 10, 2025, 10:15 AM

      Lol
      Reply

  • Faithful national #1 June 10, 2025, 1:00 PM

    @Apex, your contribution is asinine to say the least. If “Hell no” the parents would not agree to the school’s being integrated onto the public school system, then let them go sit on a rock and have the likes of you and duncey-bat Casroy advise them further! Remember, Pride goeth before a fall!
    Reply

  • Karen June 10, 2025, 7:54 PM

    We always wait for the situation to escalate into something we cannot handle before we address it. So Clare you’re telling me honestly that you knew nothing about this matter?
    Reply

  • Nezma June 11, 2025, 7:49 AM

    I only hope they get over the trauma they experienced.
    Reply

  • Informed citizen June 11, 2025, 11:51 AM

    This is truly heartbreaking news for the students, parents, and staff of St. Andrew’s Primary School. The suddenness of this closure, and the Director of Education’s apparent shock, raises serious questions. We need immediate transparency on the reasons behind this decision and a clear plan for how these children’s education will continue without disruption. Their future should be the top priority.
    Reply

  • Straight to the point June 11, 2025, 11:09 PM

    I dont get whats the shock , the principal of this school as been acting a fool for years . Not only with the parents but the teachers , something was bound to happen . She shouldn’t be around peoples children. That school was kept a float by the legacy of her mother . We need to stop acting like we blind in this country
    Reply

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