KINGSTON, Jamaica — Three months after Hurricane Melissa’s devastating passage, educational normalcy is gradually returning to Roger Clarke High School in Balaclava, St Elizabeth, thanks to a critical generator donation from the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC).
The Category 5 hurricane made landfall on October 28, 2025, unleashing catastrophic damage across Jamaica’s western regions. The school community in Balaclava suffered particularly severe infrastructure damage and prolonged power disruption that persisted for over three months.
Principal George Lewis described the transformative impact of the generator donation: “It has helped to transform school life considerably. Students, teachers, parents and the community as a whole are very appreciative.”
Following the November 17 phased reopening, the school initially welcomed back only 30% of its student body—prioritizing Grades 11-13 cohorts preparing for critical exit examinations. The power shortage presented particular challenges for technical subjects requiring electricity, including computer courses, information technology, and engineering drawings essential for School-Based Assessments.
“Most of our students do not have computers at home,” Lewis explained, “so there’s a reliance on what is being provided here at Roger Clarke High.”
The generator currently powers administrative offices and a computer laboratory, while also providing reliable electricity for uniform pressing—a practical necessity despite the gradual restoration of Balaclava’s main power grid, which continues to experience fluctuations.
BGLC Communication Manager Wendy Robertson emphasized the broader significance of power restoration: “At BGLC, we understand that restoring power is about more than electricity—it’s about restoring access to education, stability and hope.”
Executive Director Vitus Evans reinforced the regulatory body’s commitment to community support during crises: “As a national regulator, BGLC recognizes its responsibility to support communities in times of crisis. This generator represents our commitment to education continuity and to helping affected schools recover stronger after Hurricane Melissa.”