Crawford renews call for student-hosting programme amid ongoing hurricane reconstruction

Opposition Spokesman on Education Damion Crawford has renewed calls for a student-hosting programme that would temporarily relocate children from Hurricane Melissa-damaged schools to host families and institutions in parishes less affected by the storm.

In his renewed call, Crawford argued that this would reduce safety risks and minimise disruptions while reconstruction proceeds.

As the 2026/2027 academic year got under way, some schools in western Jamaica remained under construction due to extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, with Education Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon announcing that the Ministry is actively monitoring contractors to ensure they implement safety protocols so that learning can safely continue alongside construction.

Crawford noted that the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) had proposed the Solidarity Student Exchange Programme following the battering schools, particularly in western Jamaica, took during last year’s passage of Hurricane Melissa.

The programme, according to the PNP, would see the use of volunteer host families, schools, churches and community organisations to facilitate students from hurricane-damaged institutions, and would include vetting, parental consent, safeguarding measures and Ministry of Education oversight.

Crawford argues that the proposal remains relevant despite earlier inaction.

“Had the Ministry collaborated with us when this proposal was first advanced, the Solidarity Student Exchange Programme could have provided displaced students with up to 11 months of uninterrupted education, while giving the Government the time and space necessary to properly rehabilitate damaged schools.”

But Crawford is insisting that while that time has been lost, the opportunity has not passed.

“Even now, implementation could provide approximately four months of breathing room for the most severely affected schools. These four months can be used by contractors to execute work without having to simultaneously accommodate hundreds of students, thereby accelerating rehabilitation efforts to properly prepare schools for the safe return of students.”

The PNP spokesman pointed out, however, that the inaction has resulted in consequences.

“Unfortunately, we are now witnessing the consequences of trying to conduct education and major reconstruction simultaneously. Children should not be navigating active construction environments containing heavy equipment, exposed building materials, trenches, scaffolding and other hazards while trying to get to their classrooms. Additionally, these sites pose the hazards of construction dust, drilling, demolition, generators and the persistent noise and disruption associated with major building works while teaching and learning are taking place.”

Crawford also cited organisations such as AFS Intercultural Programme, a global, non-profit organisation which provides international youth exchange, and urged the Government to draw from its expertise.

“I am calling on the Ministry of Education to formally invite AFS and other reputable international student-exchange and child-safeguarding organisations to assist Jamaica with the technical design of an emergency student-hosting programme. We can further demonstrate to the nation that when the safety and education of Jamaica's children are at stake, national solidarity must come before political pride. The Opposition therefore stands ready to work with the Government to implement this proposal,” said Crawford.

In the aftermath of the hurricane, some students temporarily attended classes at other institutions, church halls and community centres.

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