Buff Bay Primary gets new school bus

The Buff Bay Primary School in Portland now has a new 29-seater school bus.

Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica Hiromasa Yamazaki on Thursday handed over the new school bus to Buff Bay Primary in Portland, which was donated under its Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects.

"This is to provide a much needed transportation system for the school, "said Yamazaki.

"We would like to expand the grass root programme, and having recognised the dire need, the people of Japan took the decision to assist with this project. Thanks to Minister Vaz for his involvement and partnership, and I urge students to continue to perform well in school. We look forward to future partnership like this one, " he added.

Member of Parliament for West Portland Daryl Vaz also contributed to the purchase of the school bus.

Vaz, who was also present at the handing over, spoke about the importance of having public private partnerships, which according to him, fosters growth and development in a society where government is unable to respond immediately to the growing needs of every community.

"Today marks an important alliance between the people of Japan and the national education trust, " said Vaz.

He continued "This is a partnership of importance and is geared at providing needy assistance to the school. Partnership such as this is very important and is more beneficial to us and should be carefully nurtured. We are grateful for the grant of US$67,515, which was provided by the government of Japan for the purchase of a school bus from Toyota Jamaica."

Buff Bay Primary School has a student population of approximately 650 students. The institution has been ranked among the top performing schools in the now defunct Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) across the island by the Ministry of Education.