Opposition Leader Mark Golding calls on Government to provide timeline for completion of repair works at schools

September 14, 2026

Opposition Leader Mark Golding has called on the Government to provide a timeline for completion of repair works at schools.

He made the statement during a People’s National Party Press Conference today.

The new academic year began last Monday with repairs ongoing, even as classes resumed.

Many schools, particularly in western Jamaica, were badly damaged by Hurricane Melissa last year.

Education Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon informed the nation that contingencies have been put in place to ensure safety at schools.

However, the Opposition Leader criticized the start to the new school year, calling for a published school-by-school recovery dashboard showing the completion percentages for all schools which are yet to be repaired.

He said this update should be provided weekly, so the country can track the process.

https://iriefm.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/GOLDING-1-SEP-14-26.mp3

Mr. Golding also called for immediate minimum standards for tents and temporary classrooms.

He explained that this would include proper flooring, fans, portable cooling units, and more.

https://iriefm.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/GOLDING-2-SEP-14-26.mp3

The Opposition Leader also called for full transparency in the money spent to re-construct and repair schools damaged by Hurricane Melissa.

https://iriefm.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/GOLDING-3-SEO-14-26.mp3