George Henry, Gleaner Writer

Workers and students are forced to walk to school because of this roadblock in the community of Alston, innorth-west Clarendon. -photo by George Henry

CLARENDON:

There was a problem for some students in north-west Clarendon yesterday, as those who travel to and from Jamaica's north coast were hampered by a massive roadblock, mounted by residents of Alston.

Many persons were stranded for over four hours, as taxis and minibuses were unable to take them the full journey to school from as early as 6:00 a.m.

The residents were protesting against the lack of electricity in the community, since the passage of Hurricane Dean on August 19.

Outside of that hiccup, it was a smooth start for several primary schools in north Clarendon yesterday, as the 2007-2008 academic year got under way.

Minor leaks

Although some institutions reported minor leaks in a few roofs, those issues were not enough to affect the first day for students and teachers.

At Spaldings Primary School, principal Ruth Brown told The Gleaner that except for damage caused to two bathroom blocks at the institution, all was well.

At Sanguinetti Primary, principal Winifred Deacon-Palmer said things got off to a smooth start.

Despite reports of leaking roofs at the grade four and grade one classrooms, as well as leakage in the roof of two newly constructed classrooms, things went well.

At Frankfield Primary School, the situation was similar. Principal Rev. Dr. Donald Johnson said there were no hitches to the start of the new school year.