The abandoned Louis Lane Secondary School building has become a refuge for squatters, reflecting a growing homelessness crisis in Barbados. The Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness has highlighted the increasing number of people—particularly women—who are finding themselves on the streets with nowhere to turn.
The Ministry of Housing and Land has issued a notice of intent to demolish the structure due to concerns over public health and safety. The school, which was permanently closed in 2006 due to environmental issues, has since fallen into disrepair, becoming an informal shelter for vagrants and other homeless individuals.
President of the Alliance, Kimar Safri, acknowledged the plight of those seeking refuge in the building and noted the rising demand for social assistance. He emphasized the need for greater efforts to support the homeless population as the crisis continues to escalate.