BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC -Barbados education authorities said Monday that tests would be conducted at St. Luke’s Brighton Primary on Tuesday after the school was forced to close due to complaints “of a strong odor that left some experiencing burning eyes, itchy throat, itchy skin and a bitter taste in the mouth.”
The Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training said that while the staff and students were relocated to a nearby car park, an environmental hygienist had visited the school to conduct an air quality test.
After further consultation, it was decided to close the school for the day and allow parents to collect their children.
“During interviews with those on the site from the morning, it was revealed that the scent was strongest during the early morning. Tests will be performed tomorrow, Tuesday, October 15, to glean further information on the air quality. Therefore, there will be no in-person classes tomorrow,” it added.
President of the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT), Rudy Lovell, said teachers complained of a burning sensation in the throat and eyes.
The ministers apologized “for the inconvenience caused by the disruption and hope that any discomfort experienced is alleviated.”
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