New academic year starts today

September 7, 2026

Thousands of students return to school this morning, as the 2026/2027  academic year commences.

Contingency plans have been implemented in several schools as repairs continue at institutions  which were damaged by hurricane melissa last year. 

The category five hurricane  battered several parishes last October and schools in St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Trelawny, St. James and St. Ann were severely impacted. 

Education Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon says she has taken note of concerns about schools that have not been renovated in time for the resumption of classes today. 

https://iriefm.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/DANA-1-SEP-6-26.mp3

Meantime, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz indicated at the weekend that the Jamaica Urban Transit Company buses and the rural school buses are ready for roll out today.