Schools urged to assess conditions amid TS Melissa, no decision yet on closure – MOE

School boards and principals have been urged by the Ministry of Education to assess their local circumstances and make informed decisions regarding school operations, under the guidance of their regional directors, amid the threat of Tropical Storm Melissa.

The Met office has reported that Melissa is projected to move near southwestern Haiti and southeastern Jamaica later this week, remaining over the Caribbean Sea for most of the period.

As the system approaches Jamaica, it is expected to bring locally moderate to heavy rainfall and strong, gusty winds, possibly reaching tropical storm strength, particularly across northeastern and southern parishes on Thursday and Friday.

Periods of rainfall could persist into the weekend.

In a media release on Tuesday night, the Education Ministry indicated that no directive has been issued for school closures at this time.

It said further assessments will be made and the public will be informed.

Portfolio Minister Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon stated that the safety of students, teachers, and the entire school community remains the ministry’s highest priority.

“I am encouraging our boards and principals to stay in close contact with their regional directors for real-time guidance, and to maintain communication with parents and guardians.

“I am especially urging parents to be on alert for updates from their child’s institution. As a Ministry, we have maintained constant dialogue with the Meteorological Service of Jamaica to ensure timely, accurate information reaches our schools, their staff, and our families. We will continue to provide more information as it becomes available from the relevant authorities.”

The Ministry said it will provide another update tomorrow, Wednesday, October 22 at 5:00 p.m.

The Ministry further encourages all stakeholders to remain vigilant and to take the necessary precautions to ensure personal safety as the system continues to be monitored.

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