Large-scale excavation is now underway at the construction site of the new Basseterre High School, marking a pivotal step in the Government’s transformative plan for national education development. Minister of Education, Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, visited the site on Friday accompanied by Project Manager Vivake Khan of Imagine Developments, and key technical personnel to assess the progress of the long-anticipated project.
Expected to be completed within 18 months, the new institution represents one of the largest single investments in education infrastructure in the Federation’s history. It is set to bolster the local economy through job creation and increased business activity, while offering a modern, resilient learning environment for future generations.
Dr. Hanley, a past student of the Basseterre High School, described the occasion as deeply personal and historic. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to preserving elements of the school’s heritage while embracing modern innovations.
“Well, of course, the legacy of the old traditional Basseterre High School—many of it will be incorporated into the new concept,” Dr. Hanley said. “I made it absolutely clear that Basseterre High School was known for its 400-metre track, and I said under no conditions are we taking out the track.”
In addition to a professional-grade 400-metre track, the campus will feature a comprehensive outdoor sports complex equipped for basketball, netball, and football. On the academic front, it will include a driving simulation lab, a modern 1,200-seat auditorium, and more than double the number of classrooms initially proposed under the former administration.
The project’s design has prioritised sustainability and climate resilience, aligning with the government’s Sustainable Island State Agenda. The school will include its own solar energy plant, rainwater harvesting systems, and advanced ventilation technologies, making it one of the most climate-smart education facilities in the region.
“All of that, as it relates to energy efficiency, is part of ensuring that we meet our targets for a sustainable island state,” Dr. Hanley said. “This project was designed with every aspect of sustainability in mind.”
The minister also highlighted that the project is being executed by a local Kittitian contractor, a fact he described as a proud and symbolic moment for the Federation. He thanked the public for its patience and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to delivering on its promises.
Project Manager Vivake Khan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the project. “It’s a pleasure to be here today in Saint Kitts and to be able to start this amazing project for the country and the people,” he said. “We’re now in the excavation phase, stripping the topsoil and preparing to go three feet deeper for our foundation work. We look forward to making steady progress and delivering an exceptional facility.”
The new Basseterre High School is being hailed as a symbol of legacy, renewal, and vision, standing at the intersection of tradition and innovation. Upon completion, it will serve as a beacon of national pride, designed to equip students with the tools and environment necessary for 21st-century learning and leadership.
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