NEWS RELEASE

New Home for Berean Christian Schools

Thursday 23^rd August, 2007- St. George’s: Fulfilling a promise that was first made over 30 years ago, the Government of Grenada has made possible a permanent home for Berean Christian Schools .

When Berean Christian Academy was started in 1972, the school was housed at the old Islander Hotel. Several years later, when the government of Sir Eric Gairy needed the hotel for offices, a promise was made that the school would be provided with alternate land upon which to build a permanent facility. In the years since then, Grenada has seen many changes—a revolution, its demise, several governments, and major hurricanes.

Now, under the direction of the Minister of Education, Claris Charles, the non-profit school has been given a long-term lease on a property on Lucas Street . In fact, it is the very house that Sir. Eric Gairy occupied for many years—an interesting outcome, since he was the Prime Minister who originally made the promise. The property has been neglected for years, and suffered damage with hurricanes Ivan and Emily. Nonetheless, the board of directors of the school, parents, and community are happy to take on the restoration in order to provide a safe, permanent location for the students.

This past week, a group of 10 volunteer workers from the North Highlands Bible Church in Dallas , TX participated in the initial stages of the restoration. Some of the members of the group had come shortly after Hurricane Ivan to help with restoration of roofs, and were quite willing to come again to give of their service to Grenada. Another group from the Rives Baptist Church in Michigan will join the local volunteers next week to continue the renovation. Since this type of project could never be accomplished with the income from school fees, many individuals overseas and locally have given special contributions for the project. These gifts are an investment for the future.

This provision by government comes at a time when the school has been suffering greatly from the effects of Hurricane Ivan. Displaced, there have been three moves since then—a situation that has been very hard on all involved, students, parents, and teachers. Having this permanent location will enable the school to rebuild its student body. Plans are underway to bring back the music programme that once included a full brass band. The visual arts and hospitality training will also be a part of the expanded offerings.

School will therefore reopen on schedule on September 10^th in the temporary quarters in Good Hope. Hopes are high that the students will be able to move in to the new school campus for the January school term.