September 9, 2026
FWCF condemns Prime Minister’s “learning closer to nature” remark as schools continue post hurricane recovery
Written byMarkelia Rumble
The Fi We Children Foundation (FWCF) is condemning remarks by Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew Holness that children at Holland Primary are “learning closer to nature,” as concerns mount over students returning to schools still affected by delayed repairs and inadequate post-Hurricane Melissa recovery.
FWCF says the remark risks romanticising conditions that children should not be expected to accept, particularly where students are learning in temporary facilities, near ongoing construction or in environments that may not meet appropriate standards for safe and healthy learning.
It states that children forced to learn under compromised conditions should not have those circumstances presented as an educational advantage.
Since Hurricane Melissa last October, significant concerns have persisted regarding the pace of repairs to schools damaged across several parishes.
With a new academic term now underway, children in communities across St. James, Hanover, St. Elizabeth and Trelawny continue to face the consequences of delayed recovery and inadequate learning infrastructure.
In a release, FWCF says the Government must resist the temptation to treat legitimate public concern as a public relations problem.
