Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

Angela Dawes principal of the Newlands Basic School in the sunshine city, said she is very pleased that upgrading work has being completed on the institution.

"The school has being around for decades and the upgrading can only make the working environment better for students and teachers alike," Dawes told THE PORTMORE STAR.

The basic school was upgraded courtesy of funding from the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) and the European Union (EU).

The school, which was built under the EU Poverty Reduction Programme, was completed at a cost of $35,453,758.

During the ribbon-cutting and handover ceremony on Wednesday, the school was endorsed as a meaningful addition to early childhood education.

It was revealed that the school, the oldest in Newlands, is a household name in the community and its upgrade is a great lift to the entire area.

Further enhancement of the facilities is expected with a commitment from State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Member of Parliament for East Central St Catherine, Arnaldo Brown, to provide computers during the 2013-14 financial year.

Speaking during the ceremony, State Minister Brown assured that, "we are committed to providing some resources" to facilitate provision of the computers.

"We believe that the use of technology as a teaching tool and a teaching aid is very important in enhancing the learning environment and the quality of the delivery of educational services," he stated.

Noting that Newlands is the second school in the area to benefit under PRP II, following Gregory Park Primary School last year, Brown said the residents are "eternally grateful" for the partnership between the Government and the EU, which has yielded substantial provisions at both institutions.

Head of the EU delegation in Jamaica, Ambassador Paola Amadei, brought greetings and said the EU will continue to work with JSIF on its projects.

Scarlette Gillings of the JSIF thank the EU for its support and the community contribution.

Member of Parliament Fitz Jackson, endorsed the upgraded structure as a meaningful addition to the development of Portmore.

The concrete structure can adequately accommodate 95 students and seven teachers. It has four new classrooms, a kitchen, sickbay and play area and other modern features that are approved by the Early Childhood Commission.

It replaces an outdated wooden structure which was in a state of disrepair. Reports are that the school has occupied that location for about 50 years.