Ministry of Education (MoE) Breaks Ground for New Theoline McCoy Primary School Hall

The Ministry of Education (MoE) on Tuesday, (13 December) broke ground for the new Theoline L McCoy Primary School Hall.  The 14,136 Square foot multi-purpose facility will have a minimum shelter capacity of 600 persons and feature a commercial-grade kitchen and a large stage.

In her welcome to the Groundbreaking Ceremony, Ms. Lyneth Monteith, Acting Chief Officer (MoE), outlined a few benefits students would derive from the new hall.  She said, “We will soon be able to provide the children of the Theoline McCoy Primary School with a space to assemble, have school meals and engage in indoor sporting activities, allowing them even greater opportunities to thrive.”

His Excellency Governor Martyn Roper added, “The construction of the new hall, which will also serve as a hurricane shelter, reflects the Government’s commitment to the future of our community and our young people in delivering a quality education.”

Preliminary work on the hall commenced earlier this month, with the project managed by The Public Works Department (PWD) and The Phoenix Group responsible for the construction.

Also speaking at the event was Hon. Dwayne Seymour, Deputy Speaker and Parliamentary Secretary for Labour, Housing & Transport.  He outlined his interest in the school’s continuous growth and lauded the Minister for Education, Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly for her vision for education and work to ensure schools’ development.

Mr. Seymour further committed to renaming the new hall in honour of retired Bodden Town Primary School Principal, Mrs. Francine Gardener.

In acknowledging Mr. Seymour’s remarks, the Minister for Education commended his vested interest in his former school.  She added, “He knew what it was like to be at this school and not have the necessary infrastructure to excel and break those glass ceilings for obtaining an excellent education.  He never forgot from whence he came or the teacher who had his best interest at heart.”

Director, Department of Education Services (DES) Mr. Mark Ray chaired the event.

Reverend Euthman Wray of the Webster Memorial United Church delivered the opening prayer, and Dr. Richard Wildman, Acting Senior School Improvement Officer, gave the vote of thanks. A performance from the Theoline McCoy Primary School choir and a rendition of the National Song sung by Genesis Bush and Sapphire Ebanks rounded out the first segment of the event.

Governor Martyn Roper, Hon. Juliana O’Connor Connolly and Hon. Dwayne Seymour participated in the groundbreaking ceremonial activities.  They were joined by The Premier Hon. Wayne Panton, Deputy Premier Hon. Chris Saunders, Hon. Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism & Transport and Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism & Social Development, Ms. Heather Bodden.

Other participants included MoE Acting Chief Officer Ms. Lyneth Monteith, Director, Department of Education Services (DES); Mr. Mark Ray, MoE Facilities Manager; Mr. Clive Baker, PWD Project Manager; Ms. Cherry-Ann Mungroo and Phoenix Group Director, Mr. Brent McComb.