Greater Portmore High principal '100%' behind protests

Ricardo Ross, principal for the Greater Portmore High School in St Catherine, says he is "100 percent" behind his staff members as they continue to protest ongoing issues with the National Water Commission (NWC).

His comments follow a second protest by his staff members, calling on the government agency to address an odour emanating from a nearby sewage treatment plant. 

"We wah breath fresh air," they chanted. 

“The staff is adamant that some amount of effort must now be put into ensuring we are able to work in a better environment. As it is now, it is unacceptable. So all we are saying to authorities is do what needs to be done, so we can go about educating the nation's children,” Ross said.

The Greater Portmore Wastewater Facility, which sits in close proximity to the school, is an open-air treatment plant. Which means, the ponds that hold the sewage allow the natural elements to interact with it. 

“These ponds are designed to expose the waste to the sunlight and natural elements like the wind. Meaning, there will always be a smell because that is how they work by design,” Delano Williams, acting corporate communications manager for the NWC told the STAR.

However, Ross, and the rest of the school says something has to be done.

“The situation is of such that if the NWC is at least prepared to do what they need to do to reduce or minimize this stench that is affecting all of us, then of course, we will be able to work comfortably” the principal said.

Classes at the school have been cancelled as a result of the protest. 

“I am 100 per cent behind my staff and students. Parents entrust their children to us, and we have to ensure that whatever we do, we are looking out for all," Ross stated.

- Kenrick Morgan 

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