PHILIPSBURG--Schools now will reopen their doors on Monday, not today, Wednesday as authorities had originally announced.

  The instability of the electricity and water supply in the various districts was among the factors authorities took into consideration when making their decision.

  A press release from the Government Information Service (GIS) on Wednesday stated that after an assessment of the situation at schools, and in consultation with educational officials, it had been decided that schools would remain closed this week and would open on Monday.

  Acting Lt. Governor Reynold Groeneveldt said that after a total assessment of the situation on the island, including the instability and lack of public utilities (electricity, water) in various districts; it had been decided to keep schools closed for the remainder of the week.

  He said this would allow for the situation on the island to normalise in the coming days and for the necessary preparations and repairs that needed to be carried out at the various schools.

  Schools have been closed since Monday due to the passing of Hurricane Earl, which battered St. Maarten with heavy winds and rain.