Education sector sustains heavy damage from Beryl

Preliminary estimates indicate that Jamaica's education sector has suffered close to $800 million in damage due to the passage of Hurricane Beryl.

Minister of Education and Youth, Fayval Williams, said the Government is committed to addressing these challenges swiftly and ensuring that educational facilities are safe and functional.

"We are mobilising all the necessary resources to mitigate further damage and safeguard our staff and students," she said. The ministry advised that technical officers conducted post-disaster assessments, which found that 100 schools in six of the seven regions sustained damage amounting to $797 million.

"The majority of this cost reflects schools in St Ann and Trelawny. Other schools in other parishes have been negatively impacted, but due to the communications disruptions and impassable road conditions, the information has not been submitted or verified," the ministry said in a media release. The ministry pointed out that the preliminary submission does not account for schools in Region Two, which covers the parishes of St Mary, Portland and St Thomas, because of disruptions in the amenities.

Thirty-five schools in Region Four have been affected, with damage estimated at $246.6 million, while 34 institutions in Region Three sustained damage estimated at $240.8 million. Approximately $224 million will be required to effect repairs to 17 schools in Region Five and another $55.7 million for eight in Region Seven.

The ministry estimated damage amounting to $30.1 million for one school in Region Six, and $600,000 for five in Region One.