The Ferris Primary School in Westmoreland is celebrating another boost to its infrastructure following the official opening of a new building for the principal, staffroom and grade six classroom.

The new building made possible, in part, by a contribution of J$800,000 from the Jamaica National Foundation, follows the contribution in 2005 of a computer lab under the JN Foundation’s ‘Computer in Schools’ programme.

“(At the time) the teachers voluntarily accommodated the computer lab in their staffroom, consequently, Jamaica National contribute toward building a new staffroom,” recalled principal Mrs Paulette Hibbert.

Hibbert explained that initial assessment of cost dictated a need for more money.

So she applied to the Ministry of Education and in April 2007 received $2 million through then Education State Minister Senator Noel Montieth, following constant lobbying from former Senator Fredrick Hammaty.

Hammaty, who presented the school with a cheque for $10,000 at the opening, gave a further commitment.

“There is a computer at Computers & Beyond waiting for you,” he said.

Guest speaker, Inspector Ralph Medley of the Whithorn Police recounted the development of the educational system in Jamaica from Independence.