Dy PM Ernest Hilaire expresses pride as schools open in Saint Lucia

Castries, Saint Lucia: Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire expressed pleasure in announcing the reopening of schools for the academic year 2023-2024. He outlined that the return of the students will take on a new challenge academically and continue to pursue their academic goals.

Minister Hilaire expressed pride to be a cabinet minister under the administration led by PM Philip J Pierre. Through social media, the minister highlighted, “I’ll reiterate how I am proud to be a member and cabinet minister of the Philip J Pierre-led administration.”

Furthermore, the Deputy Prime Minister, who also serves as the Minister of Tourism of Saint Lucia, hailed Prime Minister Pierre for his increased support of the Prime Minister for back-to-school assistance.

Being the Parliamentary Representative of Castries South, Ernest Hilaire outlined the authorities of the constituency were able to assist nearly 500 children under PM Pierre.

He furthermore highlighted that he is proud to be part of a government that instituted and continued the one laptop per child program, granting every child in Saint Lucia access to a device, particularly in a time when learning is technologically advanced.

“The increased allowance for our teachers from 800$ to $1400 and also bursaries for our students. If I would have to list all the policies and programs we have instituted for our students in Saint Lucia, this caption would never finish,” the Deputy PM of Saint Lucia stated in a Facebook post.

Additionally, he wished the teachers, students and parents all the best for the new school year in Castries South and Saint Lucia.

It is to be noted that the Minister of Education made all the important repairs before the opening of schools and other educational institutes on September 4. The Ministry outlined that these fixes are made to ensure the safety and security of each and every student.

Along with this, the Health Ministry also issued some advisories for the parents and guardians, which must be followed for the safety of their wards; few of them are:

• Parents must inquire about necessary contact information.
• Consider sending hand sanitiser, disinfectant wipes and a bottle of hand soap to the ward. Explain the importance of good hygiene.
• Tell the ward not to use their ‘personal’ belongings.
• Send your ward with a daily supply of water.
• Send proper lunch bags consisting of season fruits and vegetables – contributing to healthy eating habits.
• Parents should discuss health and safety measures with the child.