REO says DC Caesar Fox school refurbished, unfinished works to be completed shortly

Sep 12, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Seven, Dr. Josh Kanhai, said the DC Caesar Fox Secondary School at Waramadong, Upper Mazaruni, has been refurbished, but works remain unfinished at the male dormitory and Block C.

Speaking to Kaieteur News recently, Kanhai said photographs circulating on social media showing the school in a poor condition were inaccurate, with some of the images dating back to last year.

“The dormitories that are in the pictures, that is an accurate photo, but the other pictures that were posted we found those to be from last year and to be old photos,” he said.

REO says DC Caesar Fox school refurbished, unfinished works to be completed shortly

Pictures shared by Region’s Seven Regional Executive Officer; Dr. Josh Kanhai of the maintenance works done to the school in preparation for the new school term.

Kanhai said work on the school began in early August, following procurement and the awarding of contracts. However, contractors experienced delays in getting windows and lumber needed for the dormitories to Waramadong.

He said maintenance works on the dormitory buildings cost $6.2 million and $4.8 million under separate contracts, while work on Block C cost $4.39 million.

The REO said the windows have since been procured and are currently at Ogle Airport awaiting transportation to Waramadong, with September 19 given as the expected delivery date.

He said the entire school was repainted before classes resumed and mesh was installed while the windows are awaited.

Pictures shared by Region’s Seven Regional Executive Officer; Dr. Josh Kanhai of the maintenance works done to the school in preparation for the new school term.

Kanhai added that most of the work on the chalets has been completed, with the contractor expected to finish the remaining work by the weekend. In the meantime, male students are being accommodated in another completed chalet.

He also rejected claims that students are using pit toilets.

“Last year, we built brand new sanitary blocks for both males and females, and washing sinks. We had no issue with that and they are fully functional,” Kanhai said.

He explained that the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has a well on the school compound providing water, while plumbing was redone during the school break.

Pictures shared by Region’s Seven Regional Executive Officer; Dr. Josh Kanhai of the maintenance works done to the school in preparation for the new school term.

However, he said the size of the compound means the water system cannot supply all areas at once, resulting in the administration having to fill tanks on different sections of the compound.

Kanhai also clarified photographs showing female students walking toward what appears to be a dilapidated washroom.

He said the structure is old and no longer in use, and that the students use it to hang their clothes.

The REO said the old structures will eventually be demolished because their condition could create a misleading impression about the facilities currently being used by students.

Meanwhile, Kanhai said the Regional Administration is carrying out maintenance works while the Ministry of Education has committed to constructing a new secondary school and dormitory at Waramadong.

“We are basically fixing what we can right now to accommodate the children comfortably and once we get those new buildings in, then everyone will transition there,” he said.

Kaieteur News had previously reported concerns from Waramadong Toshao Amrita Thomas, who said the school and dormitories have been in poor condition for years despite repeated complaints to regional and government officials.

Thomas said the school, which has been operating for about 25 years, now accommodates more than 500 students and serves communities across the Upper Mazaruni.

Among the communities served are Kaikan, Arau, Paruima, Kamarang, Kako, Jawalla, Phillipai, Wax Creek, Imbaimadia and Chinoweing.

Thomas said school heads have regularly reported the conditions to the Regional Education Department.

“According to the reports I get, the headteachers of the secondary, primary and nursery have been sending reports to the Regional Education Department complaining about the condition of the schools every month. In fact, they report, but nothing has been done,” she said.

Amerindian rights activist, Laura George also recently raised concerns about the condition of the school and dormitories, sharing photographs on Facebook which she said showed Indigenous children and staff being exposed to hazardous conditions.

George called for the situation to be addressed, saying the children should not have to endure such conditions.

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

DC Caesar Fox school, Refurbished., unfinished works

Latest News