The passage of Hurricane Melissa exacerbated long-standing infrastructure challenges at Mayfield Primary and Infant School in Southfield, St Elizabeth, where leaking classrooms had been an ongoing concern. The storm inflicted severe damage, tearing roofs from three classrooms serving grades four through six and worsening pre-existing water damage that caused concrete structures to break apart.
Acting Principal Marion White-Cuff described the extensive damage: ‘We have relocated classes to the teacher’s lounge and another classroom. The infant department suffered complete ceiling damage with water intrusion causing structural loosening.’ The school’s perimeter fencing was compromised, though quickly repaired for security reasons.
Financial relief is forthcoming through the 2026 Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run, which has identified Mayfield among five western Jamaican schools selected as beneficiaries. The charity event aims to raise $150 million toward repairing hurricane-affected institutions. White-Cuff expressed profound gratitude for the selection, noting that the entire school community was ‘shocked and thankful’ for the recognition among many damaged schools.
The National Education Trust has conducted multiple assessments to guide restoration efforts. Meanwhile, school staff demonstrated remarkable resilience, spending days clearing water and debris to reopen promptly after the hurricane. White-Cuff emphasized her commitment to minimizing educational disruption: ‘I know about the loss of learning during COVID and I didn’t want that.’
The school’s computer room remarkably escaped water damage, though the main office computer was destroyed. Contractors revealed that protective membrane installations meant to provide watertight seals were blown away during the storm, intensifying leakage issues.
Beyond institutional damage, the hurricane impacted the school community personally—assessment revealed 24 students and one teacher suffered partial home or roof damage. The school organized a successful Christmas donation drive to support affected families.
As the institution awaits restoration funding, White-Cuff remains determined to maintain educational continuity: ‘I will do whatever I can, and work with whatever I have to make sure children aren’t out of school.’