The Government of Anguilla has demolished a beachfront teaching and information technology block at Vivien Vanterpool Primary School in Island Harbour.
The building had become unsafe due to storm damage and severe damp, while regular buildups of decaying sargassum nearby created strong, toxic odours.
In a government video documenting the demolition on 22 October, infrastructure minister Jose Vanterpool described it as “the end of an era”.
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He said the block had “faithfully served” the school for decades but due to climate change had been undermined by the ocean and was no longer safe for the students.
He said the work was now being completed as pupils from the schools will be transitioning into a newly built multi-purpose building next week
“We need to ensure that, while this block provided memories, that the school environment and the grounds that surround it are safe and conducive to our students and their learning,” the minister said.
He said the government will continue to work with Vivien Vanterpool Primary School and other schools in Anguilla to ensure that students have the environments that enable them “to be the best that they can be”.
Throughout this week, teachers at the school will be transforming their new classrooms as they prepare to start afresh following the midterm break.
Vivien Vanterpool Primary School was built in Island Harbour on the north east coast of Anguilla in 1971.
Watch the block being demolished below:
