By today, students and staff of the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) will be able to use a walkway connecting the east wing of the school to the west, courtesy of three construction businesses.
Jada Inc. provided the labour, Lewis Concrete Mix the material, and Cemix Barbados did the pouring yesterday.
“We had only stones to travel on, and we consider it very unsafe for our charges and staff. In our discussion with Jada, we asked if they can assist through their social giveback to help us pour a walkway as it relates to the whole support for the industry in Barbados,” principal Ian Drakes said.
He added that without hesitation, Jada agreed and students prepared the walkway with the construction frame to allow safe passage from both buildings.
“These partnerships are important to us and the industry as they show their support and camaraderie with SJPI,” Drakes said as he thanked all involved.
Vincent Jones, of Jada Inc., said the pathway would benefit students and staff and they were happy to be partnering with SJPI, having worked on its Media Resource Centre and administration area recently.
He said while the pathway took about two hours to complete and could be used today, it would essentially take about 28 days for the concrete to cure completely.
General manager of Cemix Jason Edwards said it was also important for them to give back to the community.
“This project is two-fold. We’re helping the school out in terms of infrastructure and providing a walkway for the students and staff, and there are students participating in some of the work, so there is a learning component to it in terms of the technical training of the students.” (RA)