Just two weeks after the tragic drowning of six-year-old Gabriel Orellano, the Government of Belize has announced a $35 million investment to upgrade Stella Maris School and Belize Academy for the Deaf. The Ministry of Education (MOE) confirmed that the funds will go toward improving infrastructure and enhancing safety measures.
Tragic Incident Raises Concerns
On February 3, little Gabriel walked out of the Stella Maris School compound unnoticed. Surveillance footage captured him running through Belize City streets before reaching the Hangar area, where he jumped into the water. He was later pulled from the sea.
His father, Vidal Orellano, expressed deep frustration, stating that the school failed his son and did not provide clear answers on how he managed to leave the premises undetected.
Other Parents Share Similar Concerns
Days after Gabriel’s passing, another mother, Selenie Williams, came forward with a similar story. She revealed that her autistic and mute son, Skyler Valencio, also wandered off the Stella Maris School compound during lunch break.
Williams recounted that her child made it to the neighboring YWCA property, and she only learned about the incident after investigating on her own. She later recorded a conversation with school principal Francelia Cantun, who admitted that other students had left the premises unnoticed in the past.
Despite these incidents, Williams acknowledged that Stella Maris School plays a crucial role in educating children with special needs. However, she urged authorities to take stronger safety measures to prevent similar situations.
Major Renovations Planned
MOE confirmed that the upcoming project includes extensive renovations. Plans involve upgrading classrooms with new windows, bathrooms, electrical systems, and external doors. Additionally, the project will improve site drainage and grading to enhance overall safety.
Interested contractors can request bidding documents by contacting the Ministry of Education’s Project Execution Unit.
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