September 27, 2026

Morris-Dixon says it will take 18 to 24 months to complete rebuilding at Hurricane Melissa damaged schools

Education Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon has admitted that it will take 18 to 24 months to complete rebuilding and full restoration at some of the schools damaged by Hurricane Melissa.

This as the ministry is ensuring that schools are being built to better standards and are climate resilient.

Hundreds of schools suffered damage during the passage of Hurricane Melissa last October and restoration work is ongoing.

The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) has expressed concern about the pace of school repairs.

Speaking at at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Savanna-La-Mar inclusive High School in Westmoreland, Dr Morris Dixon emphasized that the hurricane presented an opportunity to ensure that the reconstruction works are done properly.

Dr Morris Dixon assured that schools in western Jamaica will have the best infrastructure in the country, once reconstruction works are completed.

She reiterated that new technology and reinforced building techniques are being applied to roofs and structures, to ensure that schools can better withstand future severe weather events.