STUDENTS from Esher Primary School in Lucea, Hanover, are now able to await transportation in relative safety, thanks to the construction of a bus shed by the Staff Association of the Grand Palladium Resort and Spa at the gate of the institution.

The concrete structure, built at a cost of US$2,000, was officially handed over to the school and the Hanover Parish Council on September 30.

In handing over the facility, President of the Hotel’s Staff Association, Leroy Peart, said the group was playing what it believes is a compulsory role in protecting the students of the school, as well as citizens who will use the bus shed.

“This is just another tangible exhibit of the hotel’s commitment to the community and indeed to the parish of Hanover where we want to make positive contributions to the communities,” Peart said.

Principal of the school, Antoinette Wright, in expressing thanks for the bus shed, said she will now breathe a little easier knowing that her students will be able to await transportation in a secure structure.

She said the building of the facility is the result of a strong partnership between the Grand Palladium hotel and the school which is aimed at creating and maintaining a safe environment.

“We are very happy and indeed grateful for this very kind gesture. This partnership is one of the ways we will ensure school safety for our students and it’s one of the ways that will ensure that we are a part of creating a safe school environment,” Wright said.

Mayor of Lucea, Councillor Wynter McIntosh, in endorsing the initiative, is encouraging residents of the area to ensure that the structure is protected and that it is used for its intended purpose.

“I beg the citizens of Esher to protect this structure. It’s an awesome facility and we are going to make use of it for the purpose for which it is intended,” McIntosh said.

Meanwhile, overjoyed students of Esher Primary said the facility will play a significant role in their protection from the elements, as well as speeding motorists as they await transportation.

“I am really grateful that Grand Palladium could build this bus shed because it shelters us from rain,” Keon Noble said.

Another student, Danae McFarlane, said the bus shed is a “really good thing because when the rain is falling, we have to stay at school and now we can stay down here and then go home”.