Minister of Education Fayval Williams says all schools will commence on September 2nd, as the ministry works fervently to ensure all institutions affected by Hurricane Beryl’s passage in July are repaired post haste.

Speaking at the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) 60th Annual Conference in Trelawny on Wednesday, August 21, Williams stated that there is still much to do in preparation for the upcoming school year on September 2. She noted that the updated list of hurricane-damaged schools has reached 352 which has significantly increased repair costs.

While the Ministry works to repair the damage, Williams stated that not all schools will be tended to at the same time, as some will be prioritised over others based on the extent of the repairs needed.

“We have had to prioritise the schools… we could not take on 352 schools all at once,” she said. 

The ministry placed the damaged school into three categories.

Priority One: severely damaged schools, particularly those where the damage would affect school opening, were discussed. Munroe College and Manning’s High School were given as examples of schools with significant roof damage. These schools are currently being worked on in preparation for September 2.

Priorities Two and Three have been moderately damaged. Those schools can begin while the repair work continues throughout the school year. Williams gave examples of a tree falling and damaging the school fencing or walls as no reason for a school to remain closed.

“When the press comes knocking, please do not say the ministry hasn’t done anything for the hurricane damage,” she said.

She noted that the ministry has always been transparent with the public and that the schools under each priority level have been listed and are available on the ministry’s website for public perusal.

“We are asking for your understanding. We are laying out our approach to doing this so that schools don’t feel like they are being neglected or they are being victimised or whatever,” she said.