Sister Marie Laurence school reconstruction moves into steel erection phase

Sister Marie Laurence Primary School’s reconstruction in Middle Region has moved into steel erection work after seven containers of materials arrived, according to an update discussed by Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Melissa Gumbs on Tuesday 20 October. The project has a planned 14-month construction period, with another steel shipment expected for the second phase.

The work is being carried out by Trinidad and Tobago contractor Steel Structures T&T Ltd. The first months included site preparation and foundation work. The contractor has used local subcontractors where possible and involved young people from Middle Region in construction activities.

Once the steel structure is complete, work is to continue with building panels and divisions for classrooms and other spaces. The school project is part of the Fostering Resilient Learning Project, implemented by the National Recovery Program Bureau with the Ministry of ECYS and financed through the St. Maarten Trust Fund.

Gumbs also said the construction contract for Charles Leopold Bell School had been awarded and preparations for signing were progressing. At the new St. Maarten Library site, stakeout activities and foundation preparations were under way. She said she hopes the three facilities will be completed during 2027 and fully operational by early 2028.

For Sister Marie Laurence School, Gumbs said the Catholic School Board had agreed to seek separate funding for furniture and finishes after discussions with the National Recovery Program Bureau.