ST JAMES, Jamaica — Lacovia Primary and Infant School in St Elizabeth has achieved a significant milestone by fully restoring in-person education for all enrolled students, marking the end of months of disruptive rotational schedules implemented after Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact. Principal Stacia Williams Brown confirmed the complete resumption of academic activities, expressing profound gratitude for overcoming substantial infrastructural challenges that had severely compromised daily operations.
The educational institution, which initially adopted a phased reopening approach in November following the hurricane’s passage, has now successfully reintegrated its entire student body. Current enrollment stands at 293 pupils, with attendance figures demonstrating consistent improvement as normalcy returns. School authorities continue outreach efforts to locate remaining students who were displaced due to extensive facility damage, with some families having relocated to other parishes temporarily.
Principal Williams Brown detailed the considerable damage sustained during the hurricane, which critically affected essential facilities including student bathrooms, the administrative block, and perimeter fencing. Reconstruction efforts led by the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information through the National Education Trust (NET) have been progressing steadily since commencement in December. School administration anticipates full restoration of administrative operations within approximately three months, allowing staff to return to their original office spaces.
The principal extended appreciation to the Education Ministry for their sustained support and to contractors executing rehabilitation work, noting that the entire school community remains encouraged by the ongoing assistance and visible progress in restoring the educational environment.