EVORINE Henry-Tracey, principal of Wycliffe Martin High School in St Mary, was all smiles as she pointed to the importance of a recent $3-million renovation of the Home Economic Department by the Sandals Foundation.

“A lot of our students are absorbed in the hospitality industry and so I am very excited for this,” said a beaming Henry-Tracey.

Located about 2.5 kilometres outside of St Mary’s capital, Port Maria, the predominantly male population of Wycliffe Martin High are beneficiaries of an inclusive learning approach that focuses on skills and professional development.

“To help meet the needs of our students, we focus on vocational areas even as we prepare them for sixth form, higher education, and a place of work. We are part of the tourism belt so the Home Economics Department each year is oversubscribed,” added Henry-Tracey.

For approximately six years, the department has been in disrepair, forcing a 50 per cent reduction in the number of students that could be facilitated. Now, students of the 2025/2026 academic year will be able to complete their practical training in an industry-like environment.

“The whole internal space has been refurbished. One of the major problems we had was serious termites which damaged cupboard spaces. We have gotten rid of all the pests, fumigation has been done, all the tiles have been replaced.

“The space is better organised, in addition to the paint and electrical work, we have a refrigeration section and an extractor fan to help minimise the heat in the space. And we have new glass windows and steam tables that can also be easily cleaned,” said an obviously happy Henry-Tracey.

The improved infrastructure now enables up to 40 students to be facilitated in their studies, a move welcomed by Henry-Tracey.

“Far more students can now do the subjects and get the practical experience. Senior students being prepared for the world of work — they will now be in a modern space that will look more or less like where they will be working soon. The upgrade has significantly improved what we are able to offer our students,” the principal noted.

For Heidi Clarke, executive director of the Sandals Foundation, the support for Wycliffe Martin High School forms part of the philanthropic organisation’s commitment to youth education and skills development.

“To facilitate the academic growth of our young people, it is important that they are provided with the resources they need to explore and learn. The renovation of the home economics classroom will, we hope, strengthen the teaching-learning process, enabling students to sharpen their skills to confidently take their place in hospitality — an industry that is boundless in the opportunities it presents,” said Clarke.

New, commercial-grade cooking stations installed through the Sandals Foundation’s $3-million refurbishment allow Wycliffe Martin High students to sharpen their culinary skills in a professional environment designed to prepare them for the realities of the hospitality industry.

Principal Evorine Henry-Tracey (right) shares a proud moment with Heidi Clarke, executive director of the Sandals Foundation, as they admire the refurbished home economics department at Wycliffe Martin High School.