Member of Parliament for St Joseph, Herbert Volney, has promised to address the concerns of parents and teachers of the St Joseph Secondary School with haste.

Volney yesterday held a meeting at the school's Farm Road, St Joseph, compound in a bid to seek a resolution to various issues raised by the school's Parent-Teacher Association.

On Monday the PTA held a meeting with Volney to discuss issues such as illegal dumping, squatters encroaching on school lands, safety and security at the school and also renovations and repairs to the building.

Following the meeting, Volney visited the school where he saw first hand the concerns raised and promised swift action.

Speaking with the Express following the meeting, secretary of the PTA, Cleopatra Guishard, expressed satisfaction with Volney's visit, stating she remains optimistic that the problems will be addressed.

"Yes we (PTA) are satisfied with the visit and hope that the problems will be addressed. We are also satisfied with the answer given by the minister and also the presence of officials from the Regional Corporation, Unemployment Relief Programme, CEPEP and other stakeholders."

Guishard said the issue of an illegal fence which was constructed on the school's compound two-and-a-half years ago was also discussed. "The school acquired the land legally and the section where the fence is erected is to be used as a muster point," Guishard said.

Noting that the school has not conducted an emergency drill for the past three years, Guishard said various letters were dispatched to relevant ministries and stakeholders in a bid to have issues at the school addressed.

Apart from the fence, Guishard said pupils making their way to and from the school were being robbed of cellphones, money, school sneakers and book bags by residents who live near the school.

In response to the concerns, Volney said he will be speaking with the various stakeholders which will include Education Minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh.

The minister also promised to have the fence removed.