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The Government of Jamaica says it will rebuild schools damaged by Hurricane Melissa in a way that makes them stronger and safer for future storms.
Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon said the focus will be on better building standards, improved drainage, and stronger utilities so schools can withstand severe weather.
During a tour of damaged schools in Trelawny and St. James, she explained that the aim is not just to replace what was lost but to “build back better” and reduce future repair costs. She said the visits have shown how badly the education system needs safer, more resilient buildings.
More than 600 schools were damaged, and about 200 were hit hard. The scale of destruction has forced the Ministry to rethink how school buildings are designed and how prepared they are for future storms. The recovery will take several years and will not be a quick fix.
Some of the worst-affected schools are using temporary measures to keep teaching going. A few are trying shift systems to make better use of the space they still have. The Ministry is also considering temporary classrooms so learning can continue while repairs are done.
One major problem is water supply. Some schools cannot reopen because they have no reliable access to water. The Ministry is working with the National Water Commission and private truck operators to deliver water where it is needed. The aim is to reopen as many schools as possible by the end of the month.
Schools with heavy damage will reopen in phases, and some classes may be moved to other sites so students do not fall behind. The Minister praised teachers, principals, parents, and community members for helping with clean-up work and preparing schools to reopen.
She promised clear and regular communication as rebuilding plans are completed. This will include updates on temporary classrooms, shift schedules, and other ways to keep teaching going while repairs continue.
She said the Government will also develop a full resilience plan with timelines and budgets, and will give frequent updates on progress and safety standards. The Minister stressed that recovery will be long and difficult, but the goal is to return every child to a safe, modern classroom that is stronger than before Hurricane Melissa. She encouraged communities to stay involved as the work moves from planning to action.
Source: Jamaica Information Service.
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