KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — The Ministry of Education and Youth Affairs has reported that 212 schools were damaged during the passage of Hurricane Beryl and will require repairs before the new school year begins in September. The ministry provided an update in a statement on Monday, detailing the classification and repair priorities for the affected schools.
Key Details
- Total Schools Affected: 212
- Assessment Date: July 11, 2024
- Repair Priority Levels:
- Priority 1: 64 schools (severely damaged, require immediate repairs)
- Priority 2: 58 schools (moderately damaged, can remain open during repairs)
- Priority 3: 91 schools (minor damage, can remain operational during repairs)
Repair Process and Funding
- Emergency Procurement Strategy: The ministry will allocate repairs to contractors under this strategy, monitored by the Technical Services Unit and the National Education Trust (NET).
- Immediate Repairs: Major works, minor works, and clean-up operations are scheduled to start the week of July 19, 2024.
- Funding: Under Secretary Cassin Troup approved a $210 million budget for urgent repairs across seven regions ($30 million per region) through July 17, 2024.
- Regular and Maintenance Grants: Schools have already received part of these grants disbursed in June 2024, to be used for emergency repairs under regional office guidance.
Minister’s Comments
Minister Fivar Williams emphasized the ministry’s commitment to the safety and wellbeing of students and staff, stating, “The safety and wellbeing of students and staff is our top priority. We are working diligently to ensure that all necessary repairs are completed swiftly so that schools can safely reopen in September. The presence and ongoing support of our technical teams on site has been invaluable throughout the recovery operations.”
Summary
- Severely Damaged Schools: 64 (Priority 1)
- Moderately Damaged Schools: 58 (Priority 2)
- Minorly Damaged Schools: 91 (Priority 3)
- Total Repair Budget: $210 million
- Repair Monitoring: Technical Services Unit and National Education Trust (NET)
