Director of Education Clare Browne and Permanent Secretary Ena Dalso Henry
As the countdown continues to the start of the 2025–26 academic year, Ministry of Education officials are out in the field today visiting government schools across Antigua.
Three inspection teams have been deployed. Director of Education Clare Browne and Permanent Secretary Ena Dalso Henry are each leading morning tours, while Minister of Education Daryll Matthew will head a separate team this afternoon.
The visits are aimed at reviewing summer renovation projects and ensuring schools are ready to welcome students back on Monday. Browne noted that significant upgrades were completed, including a new classroom block at Clare Hall Secondary, a Home Economics building at Antigua Grammar School, and modern restroom facilities at Ottos Comprehensive.
“While reports suggest everything is in order, the ministry felt it was important to verify first-hand that the work meets expectations before students return,” Browne explained.
Beyond physical upgrades, the ministry is pushing final preparations this week. Heads of department will meet Wednesday to discuss new guidelines for the academic year, while professional development sessions are scheduled for teachers in Zone Three on Friday.
Teachers officially returned to school yesterday, beginning classroom set-up and holding staff meetings to prepare for students’ arrival next week.
Minister i have a question. Are all these schools equipped with AC units? Because that heat is about to cause some real uncomfortable environment for these children. Fans aren’t doing it at all.
Shermain you are one of the greatest journalists in this region. Love you ❤️❤️❤️
This is nice but why cut the wall through so close? Suppose there are major corrections to be made? Would less than one week be sufficient to make those corrections? And another thing as another commenter has alluded to…. Do the classrooms have AC ? If not, consider partnering with the business community and have them installed. I don’t know about any one else, but I don’t function well when I’m all uncomfortable so I can’t imagine that the students can either.
It’s your job to verify. Stop sit in office and expect work to get done. Be hands on
Glad to hear the schools are being checked before the children go back. Safety first.
Minister Matthew on the ground is a good sign. Leadership must be visible.
I hope they look at bathroom facilities too many schools neglect that area.