THE MAJORITY of the island's schools have resumed classes following the passage of Hurricane Ivan just over two weeks ago.
According to the Ministry of Education, only about three per cent of the roughly 1,000 public schools still remain closed.
Dorrett Campbell, communications director at the ministry, told JIS News that the schools which remained unopened were either being used as temporary shelters or had sustained extensive damage during the passage of the hurricane.
In Region One, comprising Kingston and St. Andrew and parts of St. Thomas, the Westphalia School is being used as a shelter, while the Hall's Delight Primary and Junior High and Clifton and Crighton All-Age schools are inaccessible by road and communication lines are still down.
EXTENSIVE DAMAGE
Two schools in Region Two, which comprises Portland, parts of St. Thomas and parts of St. Mary, remain closed. These are the Elliot Primary, which sustained extensive damage to the roof, and Dalvey Primary, which is still being used as a shelter.
Ms. Campbell said private organisations had pledged their support for two schools in Region Three, which include institutions in Trelawny, St. Ann and sections of St. Mary. "The Galina Primary School in St. Mary, which has had to remain closed on account of the destruction of its roof, is to receive assistance from a church group from the United States," she said.
In addition, she said the Kaiser Bauxite Company has indicated a willingness to assist with the further restoration of the Brown's Town Infant School, which should be partially repaired in time for the admission of students today.
Extensive damage has also led to the closure of six schools in Region Four, which include institutions in St. James, Hanover and Westmoreland. The affected schools are Upper Rock Spring All-Age, Petersville All-Age, Hillsbrook All-Age, Peters Mountain All-Age, Kentucky Primary and Junior High, and Paul Island Primary.
ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS
Ms. Campbell said relevant personnel within the Ministry were currently pursuing alternative arrangements to ensure the resumption of classes in these schools.
In Region Five, which includes Manchester and St. Elizabeth, the Rose Hall Primary will reopen today; the Nazareth All-Age is extensively damaged and arrangements are still being worked out for its resumption.
The Portland Cottage Primary in Region Six, which comprises Clarendon and St. Catherine, is still being used as a shelter; however, classes resumed for grades five and six, while the Bustamante High School and St. Mary's College are still inoperable.
