National

Education Officials Respond to School Concerns…Break-ins, Rodents & Mold

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – School conditions in Grand Bahama are under scrutiny after a primary school was broken into, and just days later, mold and rodents were reportedly discovered at another, causing disruptions in classes.

Published

1 hour ago

September 11, 2026

Chinasa Outten

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – At Bartlett Hill Primary, mold and rodent infestations were reportedly discovered, prompting remediation efforts and a temporary disruption to classes on Wednesday.

Bahamas Union of Teachers President Belinda Wilson says the Union has engaged a private mold company to conduct an independent assessment.

She thanked the Ministry of Education for their swift intervention beginning repairs and deep cleaning efforts, but says the Union wants to ensure the school is safe for teachers and students.

Parliamentary Secretary for Education Keenan Johnson says the Ministry makes every issue a priority and can assure they’re on it from day one.

Keenan Johnson – Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education

“Anything, anytime something comes to our attention, whether it’s through the unions or whether it’s through our own investigations, we ensure that we try to mitigate those concerns as soon as possible.”

On the Union hiring its own assessment team, Johnson said he did not have all the details, but pointed to the Ministry’s communication with all partners.

Keenan Johnson – Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education

“Know that the Ministry is in contact and communication with the union. We are also in communication with the Ministry of Environment to ensure that any concerns are alleviated as soon as possible.”

Johnson adds that Bartlett Hill was among the schools visited ahead of the new school year.

Keenan Johnson – Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education

“We have ensured that when we were preparing for the school year, we visited most of the schools. Bartlett was a part of that, and we ensured that the repairs were done based on the scopes that were provided to us.”

Then, at another Grand Bahama school, Martin Town Primary was broken into on September 7th, where 150 dollars in cash, and the school cell phone and an assortment of coins were stolen.

Police say a suspect was apprehended and was scheduled to be arraigned in Eight Mile Rock Magistrate’s Court on two counts – Shopbreaking and Stealing.

Our News attempted to speak with the principal, but she denied us access to the campus and declined comment, saying the matter is an ongoing investigation.