The rodent concerns that forced the early closure of Deacons Primary School this week could have been avoided had warnings about deteriorating conditions there been acted on more than a year ago, says St Michael North West MP Neil Rowe.
Students were dismissed early on Monday after rodent droppings were discovered on the school plant. That issue was compounded by a burst water main requiring the water supply to be shut down.
Classes were expected to resume the following day after intervention by health officials but the children were again sent home.
Opposition candidate for the area, Senator Ryan Walters, labelled the incident “deeply troubling”, accusing authorities of neglect.
The incidents sparked renewed focus on school maintenance standards across the island, especially since
Selah Primary, in St Lucy, also experienced a similar issue last week after rat droppings were found, prompting temporary closure for cleaning.
Rowe has rejected suggestions of inaction on his part, insisting he alerted the Ministry of Education in June 2024 about poor conditions at Deacons Primary, St Stephen’s Primary and Eagle Hall Primary schools.
“It is unfortunate that things had to reach this stage,” he said, noting that correspondence dated June 6, 2024, and June 12, 2024, was sent to then Minister Kay McConney outlining concerns.
“If action was taken from a year ago in working with me or joining hands with me to address these issues, I can assure you that this rat infestation situation wouldn’t have occurred,” he said.
He said parents raised concerns about broken fencing and overgrown grounds at St Stephen’s and poor bathroom facilities at Deacons, noting that photographs were included with the letters.
“The bathroom facilities at Deacons Primary are in a very unsatisfactory state for the children to use and need upgrading. The broken fencing and bush at St Stephen’s Primary left the school exposed to safety risks,” one letter stated.
Rowe said he received no response from the previous minister, prompting follow-up letters in October 2024 and again on October 24, 2025, to newly-appointed Minister Chad Blackman, whom he said acknowledged receipt.
“I don’t want any further long talk. I want to see things happening. I will give the new minister a chance to really address these issues . . . I am confident that he will,” he added.
Rowe said he felt compelled to publicly outline his correspondence given criticism that the matter was not addressed earlier.
“This situation really has forced me to put the facts out there. I will not stand here and pretend that I’m not doing anything,” the MP said.
Rowe also promised continued advocacy for remedial works.
“I would not want my child attending any school that is poorly maintained. I will defend and I will fight for the betterment of my constituents,” he added.
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