Alternative boats deployed to keep riverine students in Region 2 on track – REDO

Regional Education Officer (REDO) for Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Shondelle Hercules, has assured parents and residents of the lower Pomeroon that systems are in place to ensure children from riverine communities such as St John and Hackney continue to access school without disruption. This follows concerns raised about the school boat servicing the St John-to-Charity route, which was recently taken out of operation. Hercules explained that the vessel was deemed unserviceable and, in keeping with safety protocols, had to be removed from the route to safeguard the well-being of students. To avoid interruptions to learning, she noted that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), in collaboration with the Department of Education, immediately deployed two alternative boats to transport students from Hackney and St John to Charity. This arrangement has been in place since the reopening of schools on September 8, 2025, and will continue until the new school boat procured for the area is delivered.

Highlighting the administration’s continued investment in education, Hercules pointed out that through the 2025 Budget, fourteen new engines and 10 school boats were added to the region’s fleet, significantly boosting the reliability of riverine transportation. “As of 2020 to now, there are 28 operational school boats serving communities across the region. This is a clear demonstration of our commitment to equitable access to education, regardless of where our children live,” the REDO stated. She reaffirmed that the Department of Education, in partnership with the RDC and other key stakeholders, remains committed to maintaining safe and efficient transportation, in keeping with the Education Ministry’s mission of ensuring every child can attend school regularly and achieve their fullest potential.