In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, several schools in the severely affected western regions of Jamaica are set to reopen next week. Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon announced that a combination of shift systems and temporary tents will be employed to facilitate the return of students, particularly those preparing for critical exams. Cornwall College and Mount Alvernia High are among the institutions resuming operations, with the latter already welcoming back some of its exam-taking students on Wednesday. Morris Dixon emphasized the priority of ensuring that students preparing for CSEC, CAPE, and PEP exams can continue their education with minimal disruption. During a tour of schools in Trelawny and St James, the minister assessed the extensive damage caused by the hurricane and outlined plans for recovery. Temporary structures, including tents, will be utilized to supplement classroom space, while more semi-permanent solutions are also being considered. Morris Dixon acknowledged the significant challenges faced by schools in these parishes, with many classrooms destroyed or rendered unusable. She stressed the need for long-term resilience in school infrastructure, advocating for the adoption of slab roof construction methods to withstand future natural disasters. The minister also expressed gratitude to school leaders and community stakeholders for their tireless efforts in reopening schools despite the lack of basic utilities like water and electricity.