ST JAMES, Jamaica — The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information has provided $15 million to the Montego Bay High School for Girls in St James to assist with the institution’s expansion.

Portfolio Minister, Senator Ruel Reid, disclosed that the allocation will be used to purchase land to facilitate the project.

“The school really needs some additional space… and so the plan that you put forward has been supported. You have approached us (the Ministry) at a good time, because we are focusing on ensuring more access to education,” Senator Reid stated.

He was speaking at the institution’s annual prize-giving and dedication ceremony for a new classroom block, on last Thursday.

Acting Principal, Gairy Powell, who disclosed that the ministry recently approved a plan to construct four additional classrooms, indicated that the school’s administration also contacted several other donors who are supporting the project.

“Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we should be able to start construction in December, or at least by January,” he further informed.

Powell also advised that the administration plans to increase the student intake at the school, which currently has an enrolment of 822, in September 2019.

The new block, which houses three classrooms, was built by Food For the Poor Jamaica, and will be used as a clothing and textile centre.

Several students were awarded for outstanding academic and extracurricular performances during the 2017/18 academic year.