PM Holness hits back at criticisms of learning closer to nature comment, pointing out that it was not about replacing classrooms

September 11, 2026

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has hit back at criticisms of his recent ‘learning closer to nature’ comment, pointing out that it was not about replacing classrooms.

The comment was in reference to students of Holland Primary School in St Elizabeth being moved from tents, that are being used as temporary classrooms, due to unbearable heat, to outdoor, under trees.

Speaking at the Bernard Lodge Housing Development ground breaking ceremony in St Catherine today, Dr Holness noted that multiple peer-reviewed studies demonstrate the advantages of learning in conducive environments, including outdoors.

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Dr Holness said classrooms at many schools islandwide suffer from a lack of proper ventilation, due to poor building design and planning, decades ago.

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The Prime Minister noted that the Government cannot continue to make classrooms the traditional way.

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