By Robert A. Emmanuel
Cedar Grove Primary School has been identified as the first of 10 schools to receive climate-ready upgrades, including new air conditioning units, through a Green Climate Fund initiative.
During a recent visit to the school, Department of Environment (DoE) Director Diann Black-Layne announced the project aimed at combating rising classroom temperatures which negatively affect students’ learning.
The installation of AC units is scheduled to begin by the end of January with additional improvements including roof reinforcement planned for completion by February.
The school’s Principal, Anthea Anthony, noted that teachers had often sought refuge in her office to escape the heat.
“The heat was taking away from learning,” she said, welcoming the improvements as a blessing for the school community.
The Member of Parliament for St John’s Rural North Charles “Max” Fernandez highlighted the project’s climate change focus, pointing to the increasing frequency of intense hurricanes and warmer temperatures in the region.
Meanwhile, the Junior Minister of Health, Michael Joseph, confirmed that all public schools would receive similar upgrades in the coming months. Preschools and churches are also expected to benefit from the climate-ready upgrades.
Black-Layne also confirmed that funding has been secured for all participating schools with Cedar Grove serving as a pilot to assess implementation challenges and gather feedback from teachers and students.
