Urgent Push to Finish School Repairs in Trelawny Before New Academic Year

Urgent action is underway to fast-track rehabilitation works at Albert Town Primary and Infant School in Trelawny, Jamaica. The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information is pushing to ensure the institution is fully prepared for the upcoming academic year, with a three-week accelerated schedule for remaining repairs.

Minister of State Rhoda Moy Crawford visited the school to assess progress, expressing satisfaction with some aspects like roofing but dissatisfaction with the pace of others. She confirmed that contractors are expected back on-site to advance work on the school's ceiling and commence the installation of its perimeter fence. Fourteen whiteboards damaged by Hurricane Melissa are also slated for replacement.

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There are aspects of the work that I’m satisfied with. For example, the roofing. However, there are other aspects that I’m really not pleased with the pace of the work.

Crawford emphasized the need for the remaining rehabilitation to proceed expeditiously, noting that contractors will need to work overtime. The Ministry is also focusing on enhancing the school's resilience, incorporating features such as hurricane straps into the repair work. The electrical repairs, including new lights and ceiling fans, have been completed. Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert, Member of Parliament for Trelawny Southern, urged school administrators to promptly report any challenges hindering the completion of these vital works.

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We have about three-plus weeks left. The contractors and the work team, they really will have to work overtime in the upcoming weeks.