FORMER president of the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association Trevor Oliver has criticised the disconnection of electricity to several Presbyterian schools.

On Friday, the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission disconnected the power to several schools after they failed to pay their outstanding electricity bills.

Among the schools affected included Canaan Presbyterian, Vistabella Presbyterian and Grant Memorial Presbyterian.

Oliver, who currently serves as an education consultant, slammed the decision stating that cutting electricity would hinder the functionability of the schools and leave them at an even greater disadvantage in terms of security.

’It is a very, very sad day when something like this happens when there are security issues in schools,’ said Oliver, who stated the Government should get involved in paying the bills for the school, rather than have them rely on the fund-raising of teachers and the availability of corporate sponsorship.

Manan Deo, chairman of the Presbyterian Primary Education board, stated that denominational schools currently do not receive an electricity grant from the Government.

’There is far too much money in this country, an oil-rich country, to have it this way. You cannot leave the children’s future up to luck and chance,’ said Oliver, who stated primary schools always faced great difficulty in raising funds.

Corporate communications manager for T&TEC Stephen Martel when contacted yesterday stated power was restored to the schools on Friday evening.