Teachers of Las Lomas Government Primary School have stayed away from classes for the past 12 days because of a bat invasion.
For several months, teachers have been complaining about bats in the building. School officials said an official report had been made at the Ministry of Education’s assigned school supervisor but it yet “to get action.”
There are eight teachers, one clerk, three on-the-job trainees and two cleaners, in addition to the school’s principal.
Several written complaints were also sent by the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) to the ministry.
Speaking with the T&T Guardian yesterday, PTA president, Sparkle Ramjewan said that the staff and the 170 pupils are severely affected by the bat droppings. The situation has affected the end of term exams.
“It has reached to a point where teachers have been notified by TTUTA to just go to the school, sign and leave. So, since November 17 the children are being kept at their respective homes,” Ramjewan said.
A disgruntled parent, who wished not to be identified said that he did a lot of research on bats, said bat droppings can have an adverse effect on the health of the pupils and teachers.
“By inhaling the bat droppings they can get Histoplasmosis, which is an infectious disease and can cause immune deficiency and serious problems to their internal organs,” the parent said.
“They need to act now and have the pest control people move in and clean that place inside out,” he added.
Contacted yesterday, a ministry spokesperson said an official was sent to the school last week and a report was expected to be handed in soon to the Chief Education Officer.
Asked how soon classes would be able to resume at the school, the official said he could not say but “as soon as they clean up and give the green light.”