Education Ministry investigates Sarah’s Preparatory School over noise and traffic

Ministry Probes Sarah’s Preparatory School Over Noise and Traffic in La Romaine

The Ministry of Education has launched an investigation into the registration and operations of Sarah’s Preparatory School in La Romaine after 20 residents, many of them elderly, signed a petition alleging excessive noise and traffic in their quiet seaside community.

Residents say daily school activity has disrupted what was once a peaceful residential area. The school’s owner, however, contends she operates within the law, noting that other schools function in similar neighborhoods.

Pensioner Fazal Mohamed said the disruption has been especially distressing for his household, noting his wife’s dementia and explaining that noise worsens her condition. “Any noise at all affects her very badly,” he said, particularly during recess. He added that shouting and activity during breaks are audible from his home on most school days and that attempts to meet with the principal have not resolved the issue. Mohamed believes the school should be relocated to a more suitable location, even as he does not wish to jeopardize anyone’s livelihood.

Another longtime resident, Madan Singh, described the neighborhood’s transformation as stark. “This is a residential area—no commercial activity,” he said, expressing frustration at daily traffic congestion during drop-off and pick-up times, with vehicles lining the roadway and limiting access to homes. He recalled correspondence from Town and Country Planning in 2024 indicating the property was being used for institutional purposes without the required change-of-use approval, noting that pursuing legal action would be costly.

Vinood Singh, who works from home, said the noise affects both his professional and family life. He recalled his daughter’s CXC examinations last year, when disturbance left her in tears. Traffic congestion is another major concern, with the entire street blocked during peak times and field trips causing vehicles to be parked for long periods, sometimes until 7 p.m., creating exhaust fumes and health concerns. Many residents are elderly, with some suffering heart conditions or dementia, heightening anxiety within the community.

Residents say they do not oppose business activity but argue that the school’s scale and operations are incompatible with a residential setting. A school official who spoke on condition of anonymity argued the institution is not breaking the law, presenting registration documents that permit business operations at the location. The school has existed for 31 years, originally in Point Fortin, and relocated to La Romaine after the COVID-19 pandemic, at the invitation of a neighbor.

Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath said the ministry is reviewing the matter. The investigation comes amid ongoing scrutiny of land-use and noise concerns in residential districts as communities weigh the impact of local institutions.

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