Educational institutions damaged during the passage of Hurricane Melissa and classified as ‘Priority 1’ will be fully repaired within the calendar year.
This was announced by Governor-General (G-G), His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, in his Throne Speech during the 2026/27 Ceremonial Opening of Parliament at Gordon House on Thursday (February 12).
He shared that reconstruction efforts are advancing at scale, noting that despite severe infrastructural damage, the sector has demonstrated exceptional resilience.
“All schools in affected parishes resumed teaching and learning within 90 days. This is an unprecedented national accomplishment that underscores strong leadership and also the Government’s commitment that no child will be left behind,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Governor-General said the Government is accelerating its modernisation agenda.
Ten technical high schools are set to receive state-of-the-art Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) laboratories through a partnership with the HEART/NSTA Trust.
“Eighty-six schools will have upgraded science laboratories, and by late 2026, ground will be broken for the Bernard Lodge and Minard STEAM schools – ushering in a new era of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics education,” the G-G said.
