Structural repairs, along with upgrades to the water, sewerage, and electrical systems, were among the improvements made at Lochmaben Roman Catholic School in Cedros on Sunday, as part of an initiative led by the United States Embassy.
The “Continuing Promise Mission” by the United States brought together a collaboration between the US Embassy and members of the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment, which saw the successful completion of repairs.
Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago, Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz, said the initiative aimed to provide safety and functionality for the school.
“As part of the Continuing Promise Mission, our US Navy Seabees, working side by side with engineers from the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment, have poured their time, sweat, and skill into improving the infrastructure of the school. Together, they repaired electrical systems, improved plumbing, and made some welding repairs in order to ensure that the classrooms and learning spaces are safe and functional for both students and teachers.”
Member of Parliament for Point Fortin and Minister in the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, Ernesto Kesar, added that the partnership speaks to T&T’s commitment to international and regional cooperation.
“When organisations like the US Embassy, our partners, we have a long-standing relationship with the US, take the initiative together with our local authorities to do a project like this, it speaks volumes for what it means for international and regional cooperation.”
Principal, Beverley Finley said the repairs now offer a space to shape the intellectual and moral growth of students.
“These dedicated teams undertook a massive overhaul of our electrical and plumbing systems, reinforcing structural elements and tending to the very bones of the institution. These improvements are not just about metal, wiring, or concrete. They are about the environment in which our children learn, the safety of their daily experiences, and the dignity of the space that shapes their intellectual and moral growth.”
The Continuing Promise Mission by the United States has been providing medical care, fostering goodwill, and strengthening existing partnerships, among other efforts across the region.