As might be expected, Sunday’s decision by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (ECYS) to keep schools closed on Monday (see related story) due to possible inclement weather sparked a familiar debate. “Panic attack” and “nothing happened” were some of the predictable comments, although the latter can only be said in hindsight.
Of course, one understands the inconvenience for parents, guardians, students, teachers, school management and staff. Both parents often work during school hours and not all can take children along to their jobs, so many are forced to make last-minute arrangements to look after them on very short notice and under stressful circumstances.
Besides, Tropical Storm Dolly dissipated before it reached the Caribbean. In addition, the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS) had consistently called the system no direct threat for the country.
All that is true, but the cyclone’s remnants still brought some significant showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds to the local area. MDS on Saturday afternoon first announced a 24-hour flood advisory from 7:00pm.
There consequently did not remain that much time left for authorities to adopt a wait-and-see attitude. The precautionary measure was taken following consultation between the minister and MDS, taking into account the potential for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, localised flooding and other weather-related hazards.
Was it necessary? That’s hard to say now because classrooms and playgrounds stayed empty, while the usual school traffic was absent.
For those who may not know, most schools are concentrated in the St. Peters/Ebenezer/Reward cul-de sac, with plenty of water run-off from the surrounding hills as well as one main road in and out. In the not too distant past people have died there during even unclassified downpours due to flash- and street flooding.
So, is the extra hassle worth it just to be on the safe side? Probably, because the alternative could well be a far greater price to pay.
