A post Hurricane Beryl assessment has found that 212 schools suffered damage due to the storm.  

Initial assessments had placed the figure at just over a hundred, but further checks revealed that up to July 11, 64 schools were severely damaged, 58 moderately damaged and 91 had minor damages.

The Education Ministry says it has categorized the affected schools into priority levels to streamline and accelerate the repair process.

The 64 schools identified as severely damaged are assigned Priority One. 

These institutions will need immediate attention to effect repairs in time for the reopening of schools in September. 

The ministry says these schools will be assigned to contractors under an emergency contract procurement strategy. 

The technical services unit and the National Education Trust (NET) will oversee and monitor the repair works.

Meantime, the 58 moderately damaged schools assigned as Priority Two, will require significant repairs, but can operate while repairs are being done. 

Works will commence once the Priority One schools contract processes, are addressed.

The 91 Priority Three schools which suffered minor damages, can operate while repairs are done.

The ministry says major, minor and clean up works are scheduled to begin on July 19, using the emergency procurement process as necessary.  

Further, it notes that Permanent Secretary, Dr. Kasan Troupe, has approved the processing of $210 million for disbursement across the seven regions, that is $30 million per region by July 17 to address urgent repair needs. 

Regional directors have been advised to reallocate funds as per the post disaster assessment report to ensure that schools can operate smoothly when the new school year begins in September.

The ministry further notes that schools have already received their tranche of the regular grants, and maintenance grants, which were disbursed in June. 

Administrators are being encouraged to use these funds with the guidance of the technical team in the regional offices for urgent repairs, with proper documentation for reimbursement.