Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath is assuring approved applicants who have not yet received their 2026 School Supplies and Book Grant payments that all outstanding sums will be distributed by September 21st.
As some parents continue to await their 2026 School Supplies and Book Grants, Minister Dowlath sought to ease the concerns of approved applicants.
Responding to an Urgent Question in the House of Representatives on Friday, he said the Government is on track to distribute the grants ahead of the timeline achieved in previous years under the last administration.
” In 2024, under the PNM government, the book grants, school supplies and book grants were received by parents by the 30th of September 2024. In 2025, the 30th of September 2025. With respect to the 2026 School Supplies and Book Grant, I wish to advise that all approved applicants are expected to receive their book grants by Monday, September 21st, 2026.”
Meanwhile, the Education Minister said steps are being taken to address a bat infestation at St. Hilda’s Government Primary School in Belmont, after the issue was reported by the school’s principal.
Minister Dowlath said work to remedy the problem is expected to commence on Saturday and be completed over the weekend, allowing classes to resume on Monday.
“The Ministry engaged MTS to conduct a scope of works tomorrow, Saturday, 12th September, and is expected to be completed by Sunday, 13th September, 2026, for reopening on Monday. Madame Deputy Speaker, the school administration informed that teachers continued to prepare work for the Standard 5 students. Parents collected and returned workbooks at the school guard booth.”
Minister Dowlath said despite this issue, the St Hilda’s Government Primary School was among the rest of 776 schools which reopened for the new academic term on Monday, September 7th.