THE Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) has expressed concern over what it says is the deplorable and hazardous conditions under which students and teachers in sections of western Jamaica continue to teach and learn, eight months after the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

According to the JTA, last week its team, accompanied by colleagues from the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), visited schools across Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, and St James, and what was observed was deeply troubling.

“Students and teachers remain confined to cramped tents that are unbearably hot, poorly ventilated, and wholly unfit for meaningful teaching and learning. In a few spaces mould was observed, posing a potential threat to the health, well-being, and safety of students and staff,” said the JTA.