The Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) is expressing grave concern over what it describes as deplorable and hazardous conditions under which students and teachers in sections of western Jamaica continue to teach and learn, more than eight months after the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

In a statement today, JTA President Mark Malabver acknowledged the enormity of the recovery effort and said the association appreciated the challenges associated with restoring damaged infrastructure following Hurricane Melissa.

However, he said that eight months after the passage of the hurricane, these challenges can no longer serve as a justification for students and teachers being subjected to conditions that are unsafe, undignified, and inimical to effective teaching and learning.