Opposition spokesman on education Damion Crawford has questioned the rationale for the government’s plan to relocate shelterees from schools by next month.

The government announced yesterday that it intends to provide viable accommodation for shelterees by May 8.

It came after the Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA) said it received reports that some persons housed at schools were engaged in alleged inappropriate behaviour in view of students.

The government said it received no formal report of such incidents and called on the JTA to provide evidence, even as it disclosed the relocation deadline.

Mr. Crawford noted that the May 8 date is of little value, as by then, the Easter term will soon end.

He pointed out that having young students share space with adults who use the facility as a residential area, for another month, only prolongs their exposure to risks.

Mr. Crawford suggested that the government immediately relocate the shelterees to either rented private accommodation or to community centres.