Students and staff of the Anchovy Primary School received a very early Christmas gift as the National Road Operating and Constructing Company (NROCC) brought joy through a much-needed beautification project.

Recognising the significance of community support, particularly with Anchovy Primary located near the Long Hill Bypass project — a crucial segment of the Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project — NROCC took the initiative to enhance the school’s environment.

Discarded tyres were creatively repurposed into decorative elements, adding character to the school’s exterior, while freshly painted walls revitalised the entrance, which created a bright and inviting look.

Beyond aesthetics, the effort emphasised environmental sustainability as part of the Forestry Department’s National Tree Planting Initiative.

In collaboration with NROCC, the department planted 27 trees around the school, including Yellow Poui, Guava, Areca Palm, Christmas Palm, Purple Duranta, Pomegranate, and Mulberry.

Carefully selected, each tree will provide shade, enhance the landscape, and offer educational value for future generations.

The school’s Principal Cheryl Grant Mitchell shared that these long-overdue enhancements for the 80-year-old institution was like an early Christmas present for the Anchovy community.

“I am deeply elated and profoundly grateful. As a school, we have a wish list of improvements, and what NROCC is undertaking right now is at the very top. We had hoped to complete the front of the school over the holidays, but while the outer walls were refreshed, the inner areas remained untouched, creating a stark contrast. The elements take a toll on our schoolyard, making maintenance a continuous challenge. For NROCC to step in at this moment is nothing short of a miracle — a true blessing,” said Grant Mitchell.

Another major highlight of the project was the renovation of the students’ bathroom, which received new tiles and a fresh coat of paint.

“The school, built over 80 years ago, has a bathroom that has remained largely unchanged for over six decades, lacking proper tiling. While efforts were made to paint and improve it, limited resources prevented a full upgrade. With the tiling finally in place, it feels like Christmas for us.

“This transformation is not just aesthetic — it enhances hygiene, allows for easier maintenance, and creates a more comfortable student environment. Parents, too, will have peace of mind knowing their children are in improved conditions that promote their well-being,” added Grant Mitchell.

In the meantime, Stephen Edwards, managing director of NROCC, said as the Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project continues to reshape the surrounding areas, the State-owned entity is committed to giving back to the communities impacted.

“As we advance work on the Long Hill Bypass, a crucial 11 kilometre segment of the Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project, we also recognise the importance of investing in the surrounding communities. Through surveys conducted by our team, it became clear that the beautification of Anchovy Primary School would be the most meaningful way to give back.

“This initiative is more than just a project—it’s about creating a positive and lasting impact for the school and the wider Anchovy community. We are proud to play a role in enhancing the learning environment for students and staff while strengthening our connection with the people we serve,” said Edwards.

According to Edwards, through its investment in Anchovy Primary NROCC continues to construct roads and foster a stronger foundation for the future — empowering the next generation, one student at a time.