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New extension for Holy Cross College

Turning the sod are (from left) Mayor Lisa Morris-Julian, Deputy Mayor Cagney Cassimire, Principal Andre Howard, Chair of the EFCL, Ricardo Vasquez and Fr Carlyle Fortune OP

When completed the extension of Holy Cross College at Calvary Hill, Arima, will “greatly enhance the quality of education in Arima and environs,” said Deputy Arima Mayor Cagney Cassimire at the sod turning for the new building on September 20. The project is expected to be completed in 12 months.

He said the sod turning was “the culmination of a lot of hard work” by Fr Carlyle Fortune OP, and the Dominican Fathers Education Board, the principal of Holy Cross College together with the Education Facilities Company Ltd (EFCL) and Ministry of Education.

Cassimire, represented the Member of Parliament for Arima, Anthony Garcia, the Education Minister, who could not attend. He said there were night meetings with the Board and EFLC “going through and ensuring all the challenges will be met so that this day will come”.

The new building will cater for Sixth Form classes but there will also be the multi-level block with new facilities like a physics lab, chemistry lab, physical education area, all with store rooms; a general lab, 13 classes, dean’s office, cafeteria, with washrooms on each floor. The indoor auditorium will house a multi-purpose sport area, office, washrooms, stage and back stage area with washrooms and changing rooms.

Cassimire said, “This is an extensive facility for the people of Arima. There will also be refurbishment of the First Form Block, I am told, so what you will be seeing is the new Holy Cross.”

He commented that one of Minister Garcia’s goals was to ensure there was “capacity” of Sixth Forms in Arima through Holy Cross and the Arima Central Secondary. “These two schools will accomplish that and also cater for new subjects,” Cassimire said.

Also delivering brief remarks were Arima Mayor Lisa Morris-Julian, Kendall John, School Supervisor III, and Holy Cross College Principal Andre Howard.

Mayor Morris-Julian said the college “represented the best of Arima” as among its alumni are three of her predecessors, Elvin Edwards, Adrian Cabralis and George Hadeed. She said students at Holy Cross were “accustomed to serve and they serve well”. She added that the Borough was thrilled that the college was receiving this much needed lift.

Principal Howard said the school is performing well in both academics and sports, noting that the institution has produced a number of exemplars in society. He thanked the Education Ministry and the school’s Board for making one of their dreams come true.