Minister Pledges Urgent Action on Long-Delayed Repairs at San Fernando School

Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath has vowed to prioritize long-awaited repairs at San Fernando Central Secondary School, a pledge made in response to urgent appeals from the school’s principal, Cindy Khan, who highlighted ongoing infrastructural challenges despite the school’s high academic achievements.

Khan, speaking at the school’s graduation ceremony, underscored the school’s outstanding academic results, with an average of 86% of students obtaining full certificates at CSEC and CAPE exams between 2020 and 2025. However, she detailed severe issues affecting the school, including overcrowding and a lack of specialist classrooms, which have hampered curriculum delivery. “We again make an urgent and fervent appeal to prioritize San Fernando Central Secondary School,” Khan stressed.

In response, Dr. Dowlath assured the school community that the Ministry of Education would address these concerns with urgency. “Your school is a priority for us,” stated Dowlath, acknowledging that the aging institution requires significant upgrades. He praised the school’s resilience and innovation, noting its efforts to incorporate artificial intelligence into its academic programs.

The commitment from Dowlath comes as a relief to the school’s community, which has faced the discontinuation of courses, such as Food and Nutrition, due to inadequate facilities. Khan also expressed gratitude to ASJA Girls’ College for aiding students during exams by sharing its facilities.

Dr. Dowlath’s promise to ensure better facilities highlights ongoing educational infrastructure challenges within Trinidad and Tobago, showcasing the need for decisive action to support institutions delivering exceptional results amid adversity.