The education ministry is preparing alternative arrangements, including rotating students on alternate days, for schools that may not be fully repaired by the start of the 2026/27 academic year in September.

Parliamentary secretary in the ministry, Senator Marlon Morgan, made the disclosure during a tour of several schools across St Elizabeth on Monday to assess reconstruction work being undertaken in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Morgan said that where repair works are not fully completed, the ministry will have to implement practical measures to ensure that teaching and learning continue uninterrupted.

Mindful that ongoing construction while schools are in session can pose challenges, including noise and dust, he said contractors are being urged to complete the work as quickly as possible while maintaining the required quality standards. During a visit to Glen Stuart Primary and Infant School, Morgan, who was accompanied by Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth North Western, Andrew Morris, and education officials, provided an update on $140-million repair works being undertaken at the institution.