Hon. Rolston M. Anglin, JP – Minister for Finance and Economic Development and Minister for Education and Training

Transcript by Education Minister Rolston Anglin delivered today Thursday August 7

Good day students, parents and staff of the Layman Scott High School. Today Iwish to speak with you regarding a matter of significance to your school community. As minister, I believe it is both my duty and responsibility to ensure that you are kept fully informed and reassured as we take deliberate steps to safeguard the well-being of all those entrusted to our care.

During a presentation on the new Kim and Brack High School project, it was revealed that suspected asbestos containing material was potentially in sections of the Layman Scott High School. Once I was apprised of the situation, I called for 3comprehensive testing to be carried out, ensuring the matter was resolved with the urgency, transparency, and diligence that it deserves.

Tests conducted in late June confirmed the presence of the suspected material in a section of the roof’s felt and in the glue under the tile in one single classroom.

Let me be clear, there’s no indication that anyone has been placed at immediate risk. The material remains contained and undisturbed as witnessed during the inspection and testing process. Additionally, air quality tests have also shown zero presence of asbestos.

This may lead to the question, why not leave well enough alone?

I believe I have a duty to take immediate action as there could be events like a hurricane or earth tremors which could cause the asbestos to be disturbed and released.

The Department of Education Services or DEES is currently finalizing discussions with certified environmental professionals to undertake a full remediation and ensure that the service delivery meets the highest industry standards.

Our goal is to ensure that the school environment is safe and remain so for every student and member of staff.

As such, the layman Scott High School will begin the upcoming academic year with hybrid instruction. This is a temporary but necessary measure to allow the works to be completed safely and without disruption to teaching and learning.

The DEES and school will release further details of this arrangement in the coming days. Once remediation has begun, no one will return to campus until all works are complete and final air quality tests confirm that it is safe to do so.

A summary of the final air quality test results will also be available on the school’s web page for your review. Beyond this response, we will undertake a broader safety review of our public school facilities, reaffirming our collective responsibility to ensure that our educational environments are secure, healthy, and future ready.

Please know that your concerns are valid and they are being taken seriously. I am committed to ensuring that this matter is addressed with technical rigor and the openness, respect, and care that our children, educators, parents, and all citizens deserve.

May God bless you and bless our beloved Cayman Islands.