Crawford renews call for student-hosting programme amid ongoing hurricane reconstruction

Opposition Spokesman on Education Damion Crawford has renewed calls for a student-hosting programme that would temporarily relocate children from Hurricane Melissa-damaged schools to host families and institutions in parishes less affected by the storm.

In his renewed call, Crawford argued that this would reduce safety risks and minimise disruptions while reconstruction proceeds.

As the 2026/2027 academic year got under way, some schools in western Jamaica remained under construction due to extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, with Education Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon announcing that the Ministry is actively monitoring contractors to ensure they implement safety protocols so that learning can safely continue alongside construction.