Some institutions not ready for new school year

The education ministry is preparing alternative arrangements, including rotating students on alternate days, for schools that may not be fully repaired by the start of the 2026/27 academic year in September.

Parliamentary secretary in the ministry, Senator Marlon Morgan, made the disclosure during a tour of several schools across St Elizabeth on Monday to assess reconstruction work being undertaken in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Morgan said that where repair works are not fully completed, the ministry will have to implement practical measures to ensure that teaching and learning continue uninterrupted.

Mindful that ongoing construction while schools are in session can pose challenges, including noise and dust, he said contractors are being urged to complete the work as quickly as possible while maintaining the required quality standards. During a visit to Glen Stuart Primary and Infant School, Morgan, who was accompanied by Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth North Western, Andrew Morris, and education officials, provided an update on $140-million repair works being undertaken at the institution.

Among the works that Morgan said have been delayed or remain outstanding are the installation of zinc roofing for the canteen, window installations in several classrooms, and electrical works in the infant department. He cited contractor-related challenges and adverse weather conditions among the contributing factors.

The back-to-school tour also included visits to Elderslie Primary and Infant School and Maggotty High School, where rehabilitation works are continuing. At Maggotty, rehabilitation works are only about 30 per cent complete, and the institution is not expected to be fully ready for the start of the 2026/27 academic year. Morgan described the slow pace of progress as “far from ideal”, noting that roofing repairs and work on several classroom blocks remain outstanding.

He attributed the slow progress in part to persistent afternoon rainfall and ongoing shortages of critical building materials, including zinc sheeting and window components, noting that demand remains high across several hurricane-affected institutions. Despite these challenges, Morgan said that the ministry is holding the contractor accountable and pressing for measures to accelerate the project, stressing that “students must return to a proper, safe learning environment as soon as possible”.