The Jamaica Teachers’ Association JTA says it is deeply concerned about the Education Ministry’s decision to push for the reopening of schools in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

JTA President Mark Malabver says the decision comes at a time when many teachers, students and their families are grappling with trauma, loss and uncertainty, following the devastating impact of the hurricane.

He is calling on the Education Ministry to demonstrate crisis leadership, grounded in compassion and flexibility.

He says the immediate focus should not be on academic recovery, but on emotional recovery. This he suggests should be done to provide teachers, students and school leaders with the psychosocial support needed to begin the healing process.