CLIFTON, Hanover — A new basic school, built by the CHASE (Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education) Fund at a cost of $20.2 million, was officially opened in this small, remote community on Monday.

The project, involved the construction of classrooms, kitchen, eating areas, a sick bay, sanitary facilities, administrative offices, library and a play area, outfitted with equipment.

The school was previously housed in the Assemblies of Holiness Church building in the community.

However, the poorly lit building suffered major infrastructual damage during the passage of Hurricane Ivan in 2004, resulting in the students and staff working in undesirable conditions.

Speaking at the ribbon- cutting ceremony on Monday, CEO of CHASE Fund Billy Heaven urged the community to maximise the benefits from the new basic school.

He reminded his audience of research findings which showed that a high percentage of learning "takes place from birth to age six", and that children who missed early childhood education were "more likely to be arrested for a violent crime by age 18" and "eventually become chronic lawbreakers.

"We must therefore seek to give them the best opportunity at the early stage because they are our most important resource," Heaven stressed.

Member of Parliament for the area Ian Hayles, who brought greetings, pledged to contribute $300,000 from his next Constituency Development Fund allocation, which he said should be used to equip the school with computers and furnish the sick bay.

At the same time, he urged area residents to take "good care" of the facility and lauded the CHASE Fund for construction the institution.

An elated acting principal, Nicolene Streete, later told the Observer West that she expects that the new facility will enhance the learning process.

"Now that we have much more space than at the small space at the church, we believe that the students will be able to learn more... and already they are very happy," she said.

The Clifton Basic School serves the communities of Askenish, Mt Peace, Winbs, Harvey River, Dundee Pen, Hisbarrow, and Chambers Pen.

Approximately 30 students are enrolled there. Two teachers are on staff.

CHASE, which was incorporated in 2002 and began operations in January 2003, is funded by contributions from the lottery companies under the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act.

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