Dominican Republic signs agreement for construction of school on Barbuda, promised since Hurricane Irma damaged Holy Trinity

Since 2018 the Gaston Browne Administration has been announcing the
construction of a new school in Barbuda, to be funded by the Government of
the Dominican Republic Government. Now, almost six years later, another
statement on this initiative is being made.
 
According to reports, the Governments of Antigua and Barbuda and the
Dominican Republic have signed an agreement, finally, on construction of a
primary school on the sister-island.
 
This agreement was signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs E.P. Chet Greene;
Daryll Matthew, minister of education; and Roberto Alvarez, the Dominican
Republic’s foreign minister, during the fourth international Small Island
Developing States conference that concludes here today, May 30.
 
Reports say the project will cost US$1.5 million and includes completed
architectural drawings and the selection of construction company.
 
Officials confirm that this undertaking honours the promise made by the
former Dominican Republic Administration following Hurricane Irma’s
devastation of Barbuda in 2017, when about 90 percent of the buildings –
including the Holy Trinity School – was destroyed or severely damaged.

A contingent from the Dominican Republic had been expected in Barbuda the
following year to commence construction of a replacement primary school.
That, however, did not materialize.
 
Accordingly, through the persistence of the Barbuda Council, the Holy Trinity
School was repaired, with the help of private donations, and students were
able to return to classes there over two years ago.  
 
Meanwhile, expressing gratitude for the Dominican Republic’s donation, local
government officials emphasized the importance of regional assistance,
adding that construction of the school is an investment in education here.