KINGSTON, Jamaica – In response to the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaican educational authorities have successfully relocated approximately 680 students from severely affected regions to functional host institutions. The Category 5 hurricane, which made direct landfall last October, caused substantial damage to educational infrastructure across multiple northwestern parishes including Westmoreland, St James, St Elizabeth, Hanover, and Trelwany, with additional damage reported in Manchester and St Ann.
Education Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon confirmed the implementation of the ministry’s host school policy, designed to ensure educational continuity for displaced students. The strategic relocation effort has placed affected students into reputable high schools within the Corporate Area, with prominent institutions such as Alpha Academy, Wolmer’s Schools, Campion College, and Kingston College participating in the program.
The minister’s statements came during a Senate session on Friday, specifically addressing inquiries from Opposition Senator Lambert Brown regarding educational continuity measures. Minister Morris Dixon notably acknowledged Opposition MP Damion Crawford’s constructive suggestions regarding host school placements, stating: ‘I applaud MP Crawford for aligning with the ministry’s direction on host schools – this initiative has proven tremendously beneficial for our children’s educational stability.’
The host school policy, activated immediately following the hurricane, represents a coordinated effort between government agencies and educational institutions to mitigate disruption to students’ academic progress while damaged facilities undergo reconstruction and repairs.