PRIME MINISTER DREW AND DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER HANLEY TOUR RECONSTRUCTION SITE OF JOSHUA OBADIAH WILLIAMS PRIMARY SCHOOL 

BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts, August 01, 2025 (SKNIS) – Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, conducted a site visit today (August 01, 2025) to the Joshua Obadiah Williams Primary School in Molineux, where major reconstruction is underway following a devastating fire in March 2022.

Also joining the visit were Ambassador H.E. Leon Natta-Nelson, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Lisa Romaine Pistana, and officials from the Public Works Department.

Prime Minister Drew commended all those involved in the rebuilding process and underscored the government’s firm commitment to restoring a permanent, modern educational facility for the community.

“We are here at the construction site of Joshua Obadiah Williams Primary School. This school, of course, suffered a major fire in March of 2022, and the students had to be moved,” said Prime Minister Drew. “I want to say how pleased I am with the minister of education, the permanent secretary, Public Works, and others who are here with us this morning—working to ensure that we deliver this school for the people of this community, especially the students who deserve a permanent place to learn.”

Since the unfortunate fire in March 2022, the staff and students of the Joshua Obadiah Williams Primary School have been temporarily accommodated at the Explorers Club Headquarters in Mol-Phil.

The prime minister expressed special appreciation to Ambassador Natta-Nelson for his persistent advocacy and lobbying efforts that helped ensure the project’s advancement.

“As you can see, significant work is going on, and many of those employed here are from the surrounding community. This project has created a positive multiplier effect, providing meaningful jobs,” Prime Minister Drew continued. “We remain committed to delivering this school and advancing our national education strategy to prepare our youth for the 21st century.”

Deputy Prime Minister Hanley echoed these sentiments, praising the swift progress and quality of work being carried out.

“It is indeed a privilege for me to be here alongside the honourable prime minister, Ambassador Leon Natta-Nelson, my permanent secretary, and our entire team,” said Minister Hanley. “I knew work had begun, but I must admit I did not expect to see this much progress in such a short period. I want to personally congratulate all three contractors for the incredible work done so far.”

Deputy Prime Minister Hanley further emphasised that the new facility will not only serve as a state-of-the-art school, but will also feature a space designed to function as a community center—strengthening the school’s role as a central pillar of the Molineux community.

“This is an opportunity for us to have a modernised school in a community that will continue to serve its young people. We are on a move, and I am grateful for all of the work from the Public Works Department and my ministry in particular to bring us thus far.”

The Joshua Obadiah Williams Primary School reconstruction stands as a testament to the government’s unwavering dedication to education and community development. The project is also part of a broader initiative to modernise educational infrastructure across the Federation.

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