Public Works staff are evaluating ceiling fans in schools after a student was injured in an incident at East End Primary.

While the injuries caused are believed to be minor, a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Education said they were gravely concerned by the incident and immediately requested a full investigation.

“A team from Public Works were on-site on Friday and over the weekend to make necessary repairs before students return to class,” the spokeswoman said. “Additionally, Public Works is evaluating every school’s ceiling fans to ensure that this incident does not reoccur.

“Ministry of Education representatives have been in contact with the parents and the principal has met with teachers and staff.”

Lovitta Foggo, the Shadow Minister of Education, said yesterday that the incident clearly demonstrates the need to make sure adequate funds are budgeted for the schools to keep their facilities safe for students. “I think it’s demonstrative of the ministry needing to ensure that they address the condition of the schools, and ideally going forward they will ensure adequate resources are in place to ensure a safe and secure school environment.”

The incident comes after a series of concerns were raised about the condition of the island’s public schools.

The recent Score report labelled the condition of school buildings an area of concern.

The report indicated that serious building conditions have to be addressed at many schools, noting harmful conditions such as mould, rodent infestations, termites, faulty plumbing systems and storm damage. Plumbing and electrical systems were not fully documented but were often referred to as “areas of challenge”.

It called on the creation of a plan for assessing conditions and improving them, along with a monitoring system and a review of the relationship between the Ministry of Education, Works and Engineering and other ministries.