St. Matthew’s Government School Welcomes New Building

Today, the residents of Saint Matthew’s Village joyfully celebrated the opening of a brand-new school building, replacing the one that was destroyed by fire over a year ago. This project was a collaborative effort, with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development & Housing and the business community pitching in to complete the construction. Earlier today, the school principal, the village chairlady, and Area Representative Julius Espat were all on hand for the inauguration ceremony. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the story.

 

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

It’s been more than a year and a half since a devastating overnight fire in St. Matthew’s Village wiped out a section of the government primary school. The blaze, likely caused by an electrical short, left over one hundred and ninety students without a school. In the aftermath, Cayo South Area Representative Julius Espat, who also serves as the Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing, promised to rebuild. Today, that promise was fulfilled with the inauguration of the brand-new school building.

 

Shakera Berry, Principal, St. Matthew’s Government School

“Today, we gather on this momentous occasion to celebrate not just a new building but a renewed sense of strength, resilience and hope.  This very location, once marked by loss and heartbreak, now stands transformed into a symbol of triumph and new beginnings.  The fire that destroyed our previous building was a painful chapter in our history.  It took away a place that held countless memories, laughter and learning.  But from that disaster, we have risen stronger.  This new building does more than replace what was lost, it allows us to forget the weight of our loss and embrace the magnitude of what we have gained.”

 

Espat attended the opening of the new building, reflecting on the devastating fire that destroyed the original structure. He shared his relentless efforts to lobby the government for the necessary support to rebuild, ensuring the community could rise from the ashes.

 

Julius Espat, Minister of Infrastructure Development & Housing

“When the fire happened, it was a very sad situation.  We felt it.  That had the possibility of destroying this community.  That had the possibility of destroying the future of our children and we did not have a choice.  We rolled up our sleeves and we made a decision, we’ll get it done.  We spoke to the chief, we spoke to the CEO, I did my part, I went and I lobbied and I lobbied, and I lobbied and I lobbied hard.  In all honesty, the Government of Belize did not give us too much negative feedback because they also saw that it was important and they left it in our hands to do it properly, and properly it was done.”

 

Esperanza Arriaza, the chairwoman of St. Matthew’s Village, echoed the heartfelt sentiments of her area representative. She spoke passionately about how much the school means to their community, highlighting its vital role in bringing everyone together.

 

Esperanza Arriaza, Chairlady, St. Matthew’s Village

“Today marks the turning of a new page in the history of St. Matthew’s Government School, a day of triumph born out of resilience.  On March twentieth, 2023, our community faced a devastating loss when the school building was reduced to ashes.  For our students and teachers, it was not just a loss of a physical structure, but of their second home filled with cherished memories.  However, out of this tragedy came hope.  This remarkable, new structure is a testament of a collaboration and vision.  The building can now accommodate eight spacious classrooms, each thoughtfully designed to provide a comfortable and conducive learning environment.  It is a space where our students can thrive academically and personally.  This through success would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of some truly remarkable leaders.”

 

Espat mentioned that to finish the project, they had to reach out to the business community for help in furnishing the school grounds.

 

Julius Espat

“That is what people don’t realize when a project is done, it is not just the facade that you are seeing, it is all the human effort, the technical effort and what is behind the scenes that at times is not given the recognition but it is the backbone and the essence of projects we work tirelessly.”

 

Isani Cayetano for News Five.