Reckless Criticism of Basseterre High School Project by PLP Leader Dr. Timothy Harris Highlights Years of Neglect

People’s Labour Party (PLP) leader Dr. Timothy Harris’ recent criticism of Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew’s efforts to finally begin construction of the new Basseterre High School has exposed a shocking level of hypocrisy and recklessness. Dr. Harris, who led a failed coalition government for seven years, has no moral standing to criticise the current administration’s bold action to address a decade-old crisis that his government not only failed to resolve but actively politicised.

The closure of the historic Basseterre High School over a decade ago, out of an abundance of caution, displaced more than 800 students who have since been forced to learn in temporary facilities. During his time in office, Dr. Harris had every opportunity to initiate the construction of a new school. Instead, his government did nothing — no demolition of the old campus, no start to construction, and no substantial progress of any kind.

Shockingly, during his tenure, consultants were paid exorbitant sums while the school project stagnated. In a startling revelation made by Prime Minister Drew in April 2024, it was disclosed that Dr. Harris’ government spent an astounding $21 million on the Basseterre High School project which never materialised.

“What we discovered is that $21 million has been spent on the Basseterre High School and not one brick was laid. Every month a company got over half a million dollars, $655,000.00 per month. How can you disburse $21 million and not one brick laid and want to convince me that you were serious about building a school?” Dr. Drew shared during a press conference.

This reckless squandering of public funds under Dr. Harris’ leadership, with no tangible results, shows that his government never seriously intended to deliver on its promises regarding the school. .His government used the Basseterre High School as political football to score points while neglecting the future of hundreds of students.

It was not until Prime Minister Drew took office in August 2022 that serious action was taken to resolve this long-standing issue. Under the capable leadership of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, the old Basseterre High School buildings were finally demolished, making way for the construction of a modern, state-of-the-art facility. Dr. Hanley, during a site visit on 9th October 2024, said, “As you look around you will realise that I am on the grounds of the Basseterre High School, still quite emotional when I visit this site, but as the Minister responsible for Education I was charged with the responsibility of delivering the real deal in education, and as such, we have started immediately on ensuring that we rebuild the Basseterre High School.”

The project, which is progressing through its first phase, marks the beginning of a new era for education in St. Kitts and Nevis. The Drew-led administration is delivering on its commitment to rebuild the school, ensuring that the students and teachers of Basseterre High have a modern facility that meets their needs. Plans for the new Basseterre High School include 32 classrooms, a music centre with dedicated rooms, science and computer labs, health and counselling services, a lecture hall, and a 1,200-seat auditorium — all designed to international standards.

Dr. Hanley has further offered assurance that the project will have significant economic impact, with local contractors, architects, and tradesmen heavily involved in both design and construction.

“What is real heart-warming for me when I look around…is the many small contractors that are onsite with everyone getting an opportunity to get a piece of the pie, and that is exactly what I intend to do with this project and other projects going forward,” Dr. Hanley noted, stressing the government’s focus on empowering local professionals and creating jobs throughout the Federation.

In stark contrast to the failure of Dr. Harris’ government, the Drew administration’s determination to build a climate-smart, world-class facility reflects its commitment to the nation’s future. The project aligns with the government’s broader vision of a Sustainable Island State, with education at the heart of its development agenda.

Dr. Harris’ reckless and baseless condemnation of this much-needed project is a glaring example of political opportunism. He seeks to tear down a project that his own government failed to even start, despite having seven years in office. The people of St. Kitts and Nevis deserve better than empty rhetoric and wasted opportunities. Thanks to the focused leadership of Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew and his team, the new Basseterre High School is finally becoming a reality — a lasting investment in the nation’s future that will benefit generations to come.