On Saturday, March 24, 2007 at the Medger Evers College in Brooklyn, the principal of the St. Andrew’s Secondary school (SAASS), Greenville, Grenada, Joylyn Lyle, addressed members of the New York based SAASS alumni association. The anxious crowd sat attentively for about one hour and listened to the presentation of Ms. Lyle. The audience was clearly eager to learn about their alma mater, especially since the damage done to the school by Hurricane Ivan, about two and half years ago. Ms. Lyle opened her presentation by thanking the SAASS alumni association for the invitation and then proceeded to address a number of areas of concern to the organization. She outlined the organizational structure of the school and the role of the Anglican Church in the management of the school. Members of the church such as Cannon Glasgow, Father Roland Mark, Kenneth and Reginald Buckmire are part of the management team of the school. She indicated that the school is currently staffed by a principal, a vice principal, four heads of departments and forty teachers. Seventy-five percent of the teachers are past pupils of SAASS. Ms. Lyle pointed out that academically, SAASS is currently performing in the 70th percentile as compared to other schools in the nation. She said that “there was some decline in academic performance after Hurricane Ivan, but things are now getting better.” As for the physical structure of the school, Ms. Lyle said that “there is still no roof on the L shaped structure of the school. As a result, the first floor in addition to housing classrooms, is also used for offices such as a make shift staff room. This space is very cramped and does not foster a family atmosphere among the staff; however, they are doing the best they can.” Additionally, because of the constraints of space, the sports room is currently housed in the first floor verandah. She also mentioned that since the destruction of the roof, the second floor is serving as the roof of the first floor. However, as a result of exposure to the elements, the steel is now being exposed, and she is very much concerned that the floor may collapse. Nevertheless, efforts are being made to seal the floor and therefore prevent it from falling down. She pointed out that there are no screens to separate the classes that are located on the first floor. Therefore, they are forced to hold some classes outside when the weather is fine. However, because of the movement of classes, furniture has fallen into disrepair and this has led to scarcity of desks and chairs. Ms. Lyle informed the audience that due to the lack of space, classes are also held in six plywood houses located in the school yard. This lack of space and poor classroom conditions have led to some disciplinary problems and vandalism emanating from some students. Ms. Lyle also intimated to the audience that members of the community have provided significant support to the school. The PTA painted the plywood houses currently used as classrooms and also provided some fans to help alleviate the heat. Members of the community have also contributed books to the newly converted Library that once served as Lab. Cable and Wireless has also provided some books to the library. In addition to that, the landscape of the yard was done by a former student. Nevertheless, Ms. Lyle shared with the alumni that in spite of the difficulties the school is going through, SAASS is a unique community institution. The boys continue to make the school proud. Student, Leon Abel, passed all eleven CXC subjects he wrote earning 10 distinctions. For his admirable academic achievements, he received the Buckmire Family award for Science. The Boys Track and Field team placed 2nd in the recently concluded inter-college athletic sports meeting. In spite of the discipline problems, she is hopeful. She believes that as a Community school they are continuing to provide the best possible education for their students. They currently offer a curriculum of 28 subjects and they are moving forward with technical and vocational studies, such as clothing and textile, carpentry, masonry, plumbing, technical drawing and wood work. An automobile program will be introduced soon. Although she has received resistance from some of the traditional parents who are opposed to the introduction of skills, she believes that it’s the right thing to do, particularly for students who may not be academically inclined, and therefore are frustrated by academic subjects. In response to a question about the priorities of the school, Ms. Lyle said that “the replacement of the roof and furniture are the most urgent needs of the school. The roof will cost $600,000. EC to replace and they are awaiting a grant form the World Bank to have the work done.” All in all, Ms. Lyle’s presentation was very enlightening. People left with a better understanding of the status quo of SAASS and a willingness to help in whichever way they can to restore their alma mater to better than pre Hurricane Ivan status By Michael A. Alexander Brooklyn, New York