JTA renews call for Government to upgrade dilapidated school buildings

September 7, 2026

President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), La Sonja Harrison, has renewed calls for the Government to upgrade dilapidated school buildings, ensuring that they are safe for children.

The call follows last week’s incident in which a concrete structure at the Balcombe Drive Primary School collapsed on two workmen, killing one and injuring another.

Harrison and other officials of the association toured the school on Friday.

During the tour, the school’s Principal, Yvette Foster, pointed to other sections of the infrastructure that are compromised.

Ms. Harrison said the situation at the school highlights the urgent need for an increase in the maintenance grants given to primary schools.

She also noted that the school plant at Balcombe Drive Primary and Infant School needs to be overhauled.

Ms. Harrison called on the Education Ministry to intervene.

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Meantime, Ms. Harrison indicated that there are several schools that have not had any meaningful upgrade to their infrastructure since they were built.

She stated that such situations need to be addressed to prevent a recurrence while classes are in session.

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Meantime, Education Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon said the ministry’s building team is to submit a report on last week’s incident at the Balcombe Drive Primary and Infant School.

Speaking with the media today, she said an assessment of the school building is ongoing by building officers and engineers.