JTA expresses more concerns about state of Melissa-damaged schools

MONTEGO BAY, St James — Alarmed at reports of health risks and worrying conditions seen during a tour of several schools in Trelawny last week, the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) on Wednesday reiterated its concern over the slow pace of restoration in schools impacted by Hurricane Melissa last October.

The JTA, alongside a delegation from the National Education Association in the United States, on Monday visited Holland High, Granville Primary, Hampden Primary and Infant, Wakefield Primary, and a number of other schools in the areas worst-affected by the Category 5 storm.

“During our visits, we encountered critically dilapidated infrastructure, serious mould, and termite infestation.