Moneague College reopens on schedule

Carl Gilchrist, Gleaner Writer

One month after a massive fire caused millions of dollars in damage to a section of the institution, Moneague College in St Ann reopened its doors to students on Monday.

"By Monday (next week) everything should be back to normal so we can get on with the business of education," principal Howard Isaacs told The Gleaner yesterday. "The entire team, the board of management, the ministry, have all been very supportive and making it happen as we speak."

Isaacs said Food For The Poor has also been supportive of the restoration process.

The August 2 fire destroyed the original structure that was once the Moneague Hotel, originally built around 1891. Eight classrooms, a dozen offices, several residences for lecturers, a music room and photocopying room, among other areas, were destroyed in the blaze that lasted more than four hours.

On schedule

The fire disrupted the orientation process but classes began as scheduled on Monday for the approximately 960 full-time students on roll, Isaacs said. Evening classes will begin next week, also as scheduled.

The former chapel and the auditorium are currently being used as classrooms, while construction for six temporary classrooms is on in earnest.

The principal said there was adequate furniture at the institution and, despite small hitches, things were progressing smoothly.

"There are some small hitches but nothing we can't deal with. The staff and students have been very supportive. Everyone has been very supportive."

Isaacs said there have been positive responses from local and overseas interests as it relates to the rebuilding of the main block that was destroyed by the fire.