Acting Chief Education Officer Dr. Jeffrey Blaize has outlined the Ministry of Education’s strategy to relocate Goodwill Secondary School (GSS) students to Newtown Primary School, a decision aimed at expediting the completion of the Dominica Grammar School (DGS) construction project. The move, scheduled for January 2025, comes after logistical challenges of hosting both schools at the DGS site were found to hinder construction progress.
“We’ve been working closely with stakeholders, including parents and staff, to address any concerns about this transition,” Dr. Blaize explained. Meetings were held with GSS parents and staff, as well as Newtown Primary stakeholders, to refine the relocation plans and integrate their feedback. “Collaboration has been central to ensuring a smooth transition,” he added.
Currently, DGS hosts its students in the morning and GSS students in the afternoon, leaving contractors limited time to work on-site. “This arrangement has significantly delayed the timeline for completing the works,” Dr. Blaize said. “Relocating GSS students will give contractors full daytime access to the site.”
The Ministry of Education has ensured transportation will be provided for GSS students during this period. GSS will operate from 1:00 PM to 4:45 PM, following Newtown Primary’s morning session, which ends at 12:30 PM. Special arrangements have also been made for technical courses required in the GSS curriculum.
Planning for the move has been carefully timed to coincide with the holiday season, ensuring readiness for the January term. Dr. Blaize emphasized that the Ministry’s goal is to minimize disruptions while accelerating construction progress. “This move not only benefits the construction project but also ensures that students continue to receive quality education,” he said.
Construction on the new Goodwill Secondary School began in September 2023, a partnership between the Government of Dominica and the People’s Republic of China. The relocation marks another step in the Ministry’s broader commitment to improving education infrastructure across the island.
By creating space for contractors to work more efficiently, the Ministry of Education demonstrates its dedication to both advancing infrastructure and maintaining a high standard of education for Dominica’s students.
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