JTA President criticises state of schools in Western Jamaica damaged by Hurricane Melissa

August 18, 2026

The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) President La Sonja Harrison has criticised the state of schools in Western Jamaica damaged by Hurricane Melissa.

Many schools in western parishes were battered by the hurricane, with repairs still underway and the new academic year less than a month away.

Ms. Harrison questioned how much of the Hurricane Melissa relief funds have been earmarked for the island’s schools damaged.

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Ms. Harrison adds that the allocation set aside for repairs, appear to be insufficient to fix all the schools that were damaged.

She argued that the tents being used for temporary classes are untenable and should not even house animals.

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