Schools across St. James are being encouraged to remain focused on teaching and learning, as recovery work continues following the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa last October.
Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Marlon Morgan, made the call during a tour of four schools in the parish on Thursday, September 17.
They included Cambridge Primary and Infant School, Montego Bay High School for Girls, Cornwall College and Goodwill Primary and Infant School.
Senator Morgan commended the teachers, administrators and support staff for keeping students engaged, despite difficult circumstances.
At Cornwall College, in particular, Senator Morgan pointed out that although the pace of restoration had not progressed as quickly as hoped, citing shortages of skilled workers and delays in obtaining building materials, he praised staff for keeping the educational process going.
He added that the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information was particularly concerned about getting students back into physical classrooms as soon as possible, given the importance of face-to-face learning and proper supervision.
Senator Morgan commended the all-boys school for maintaining strong academic performance last year despite the hurricane and urged teachers to continue supporting their students.
Over at Montego Bay High School for Girls, where the grade-seven block sustained significant damage, the Parliamentary Secretary praised the staff for persevering through last school year’s hardships.
“You stuck to the task and many of you as teachers would have given exceedingly of yourselves. A huge debt of gratitude is owed to you all,” Senator Morgan said.
At Goodwill Primary and Infant School, Senator Morgan pointed to work already under way to replace a classroom block.
According to him, the roofing work was largely completed with ceiling installation expected over the coming weekends.
“You will come away with a more resilient, fit-for-purpose, and sturdy facility where the children and staff will benefit from the restoration,” he said.
