MP renews call for Mile Gully High to get new school plant

 

Member of Parliament for Manchester North Western, Mikael Phillips, is continuing his agitation for a new plant for Mile Gully High School in his constituency.

 

Mr. Phillips says, 13 years after his appeal, the Ministry of Education is nowhere closer to making the request a reality, despite pronouncement that plans for the school are far advanced.

 

He restated the inadequacy of the ageing school plant, which he says has only five habitable classrooms and are not conducive for learning.

 

"So, we're nowhere closer than where we were a few years ago. But we are expecting to hear something from the Ministry of Education. I have been told by the Permanent Secretary that they are far advanced in the drawings, but we don't want the engagement. We want the marriage now. We want the Mile Gully High School," he stressed. 

 

Mr. Phillips was speaking with Radio Jamaica News on Tuesday, following a celebration of the Mile Gully High School netball team's recent historic championship win overseas.

 

He said the achievement of the Under-16 team highlights what can be done if rural schools are provided with the facilities and resources needed to excel.

 

"Transportation has been one, and we are fortunate that we have two school buses at Mile Gully High School. It was one of the things that I ensured that the school had to be able to support its programmes and also to transport students from all corners of the constituency to get to school in a timely manner. But where we are lacking are facilities - football fields, netball courts - just basic sporting facilities. Schools like Mile Gully High School are left behind," the MP lamented.