ORANJESTAD – Statia is moving closer to the opening of a new, modern school building for the students and staff of the Gwendoline van Putten School (GVP). Construction of the facility has now entered its final phase.
On the afternoon of Monday, May 18, Island Commissioner Reuben Merkman, responsible for education, visited the construction site together with representatives of the public body of St. Eustatius and the GVP school board. During the site tour, the contractor provided an update on progress and the work that still needs to be completed.
Work in Full Swing
The new school building is located on Korthalsweg. In addition, work is underway on a secondary access route via Spiegelweg. Designs for this connection are currently being developed, and local contractors will be invited to participate in this phase.
Inside the building, work includes the installation of ceilings and floors, electrical systems, safety railings, and a new wastewater treatment system. Outside, the bus drop-off zone, parking areas, and basketball court are steadily taking shape.
Preparing for Occupancy
Once construction is largely complete toward the end of the year, the focus will shift to furnishing the building and preparing for the school’s relocation.
According to the Statia government, the school board, and the executive council, the project is guided by a commitment to safety, educational quality, and well-being. The new building is intended to provide a better learning environment for students and a more modern working environment for staff.
The project forms part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen and future-proof educational infrastructure on St. Eustatius.
