In light of the recent COVID-19 developments impacting the education sector, the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development convened a working session on Friday, Oct. 16 with various stakeholders at the ministry, to review and update its COVID-19 protocols for the sector.

After dialogue with the Department of Health and Wellness, in the best interest of all our stakeholders, the Ministry has decided, as a precaution, to keep all schools island-wide, closed for one week and the Castries Comprehensive Secondary closed for two weeks.

During this period the Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue to conduct its necessary screenings, the results of which will help determine the way forward. In keeping with our commitment to continuously engage stakeholders, we will continue to rely on guidance from the Office of the Chief Education Officer and by extension the Ministry Health and Wellness, in the best interest of all.

The Ministry advises parents and guardians that instruction will revert to the multi-faceted approach of online learning and safe distribution of instructional packages from teachers, during the period students are at home. Parents and Guardians are also asked to note that all necessary information to you on this matter will be communicated by the school of your child or ward.

The Ministry encourages everyone to continue to observe the necessary protocols as we endeavour to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.