Walking through the front gates of the new Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre on Monday, students and teachers carried a banner bearing the school’s name in celebration of a new beginning.
After the centre was destroyed in Hurricane Irma in 2017, students were moved to temporary facilities — first the Althea Scatliffe Primary School before it was demolished in 2022, and then the Valerie O. Thomas Community Centre in Sea Cows Bay.
Now, the students are in classrooms designed specifically for accommodating special needs.
The new facility, which officially opened on Monday morning, includes sensory and therapy rooms in addition to outdoor learning and green spaces, a playground and a library, according to Recovery and Development Agency Board Member Marquese Maduro.
It also has spaces to support staff, including a nurse station, a principal office, a kitchen and a staff room, he said.
“This state-of-the-art facility for children with disabilities represents fulfillment of the government’s promise to provide an education to every child regardless of abilities or disability — an education that is tailored to their individual needs,” Mr. Maduro said during the opening ceremony.
A long wait
The new centre was a long time coming.
Consultant TigerQi Architecture began working on the designs in August 2019, and two years later Autland Heavy Equipment Co. Ltd. was contracted to build the facility in Johns Hole for nearly $4 million.
Construction then got under way with a completion target of 18 months, but the project wasn’t deemed “substantially complete” until August of this year, according to Mr. Maduro.
The RDA oversaw the project, which was funded by part of the $65 million Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Loan from the Caribbean Development Bank along with contributions from donors.
According to the 2023, 2024 and 2025 government budget estimates, a total of $3,220,100 from the CDB loan was allocated to the project.
Among the donors was the law firm Maples Group, which gave $70,000 to outfit the sensory and therapy rooms, according to Mr. Maduro.
Other donors included the Sir Richard Branson-backed Unite BVI Foundation and an RDA member who wished to remain anonymous, he said.
Ceremony
The opening ceremony also featured speeches from government officials including Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley; Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sharie de Castro; and Communications and Works Minister, who is also the 5th District Representative, Kye Rymer.
Ms. de Castro described the opening as a type of “rebirth.”
“This rebirth represents more than restoration,” she said. “It represents renaissance, a reawakening of our collective will to create an education system that is inclusive, innovative and inspired.”
Dion Crabbe, the general manager for Autland Heavy Equipment, also spoke. During his remarks, he promised that his company will continue partnering with the school to “provide training, mentorship and employment pathway to capable students to complete this programme.”
As he spoke, the audience erupted in applause.
“This partnership will ensure that what begins within these walls can continue beyond them,” he said. “The students who are prepared and willing can transition to a meaningful working experience that matches their skills and abilities.”
Dance, tour
Martin Baptiste, the division chief of the Social Sector Division for the CDB, also gave remarks, and Alisha McDonald, a senior student at Eslyn Henley, performed a dance.
After the event, attendees gathered at the front entrance of the building to watch Ms. de Castro and two students cut a ribbon alongside other government officials.
The officials and other attendees then toured the new facility while students ate lunch in their classrooms.
British Caribbean News
