Almost a month after the start of the school term, students of two private schools, whose controversial relocation to Maraval has been blocked, will remain home as a legal battle over planning permission continues. The management of the Arbor and Rosewood schools was dealt another blow yesterday, when an injunction preventing the opening granted to the Diego Martin Regional Corporation last week, was extended.
During a hearing of the case before Justice Devindra Rampersad in the Port-of-Spain High Court, attorneys representing the school appeared in court for the first time as they sought to get the injunction removed. They appeared surprised by the presence of lawyers representing the Office of the Attorney General, who indicated that their client wished to join the corporation’s lawsuit against the school’s management EDFAM.
Although Rampersad asked media personnel to leave the courtroom as the hearing was a private chamber case, the T&T Guardian understands that after lengthy legal arguments the AG’s application was eventually granted. The corporation’s CEO Marva Carter and EDFAM director Kirk de Souza were present for the hearing. The case has been adjourned to next Tuesday and was transfered to the San Fernando High Court.
Since the schools announced the relocation from St Clair to opposite the Church of the Assumption on Long Circular Road, Maraval, earlier this year, a group of residents banded together to oppose the proposed move, which they say would exacerbate the already dire traffic congestion they face.
The DMRC championed their cause, issuing a show cause notice and two stop orders, in late August, after it learnt that EDFAM did not have permission from either the Education Ministry or the Town and Country Planning Division. The schools’ management reportedly contacted Planning Minister Dr Bhoe Tewarie to intervene, but Tewarie refused. The impasse culminated hours before the schools were due to open last Wednesday, with the corporation obtaining an emergency injunction against EDFAM.
Parents respond
In a telephone interview earlier this week, Parent Teacher's Association (PTA) president of the Arbor and Rosewood schools, Marsha Riley said although they are concerned the schools are yet to open, they are willing to sacrifice until the issue is resolved. “The board has given us assurances that the situation is not going to last forever. It’s a phenomenal school and we are sticking behind them,” Riley said.
While she said most parents were waiting patiently for a resolution, Riley admitted there were a few who decided to transfer their children to other schools. “Generally we are holding firm, but there are literally only one or two parents who could not wait it out,” Riley said. As she admitted the situation was particularly troublesome for working mothers, who have had to find temporary day care services, Riley said: “We are praying about it and asking the nation to pray for us and our children.”
