Black River Primary repairs at 60 per cent completion

Repairs at Black River Primary and Infant School in St Elizabeth are approximately 60 per cent complete, with contractors being urged to expedite the remaining work ahead of the reopening of schools on September 7.

Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Marlon Morgan, provided the update during a recent tour of the institution as part of a two-day visit to schools across St Elizabeth. The school was among the institutions damaged during the passage of Hurricane Melissa last year, with Morgan describing the school as having been at “ground zero” consequent on the hurricane’s impact.

He noted that while work is progressing, the pace of repairs at schools visited across the parish has varied, with some institutions being closer than others to being ready to fully accommodate students for the start of the 2026/27 academic year. Morgan said contractors have reported challenges in securing suitably qualified and certified skilled workers, particularly in the areas of electrical installation and carpentry.