KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Education and Youth is reporting that 212 schools sustained damage during the passage of Hurricane Beryl and will need repairs in time for the reopening of schools in September.

The ministry provided the update in a release on Monday.

According to the ministry, based on post-disaster assessments as at July 11, it has categorised the affected schools into priority levels to streamline and accelerate the repair process.

It noted that for priority one, 64 schools have been identified as severely damaged and will need immediate attention to effect repairs in time for school reopening. The ministry said these schools will be assigned to contractors under an emergency contract procurement strategy and repair works will be monitored by the Technical Services Unit and the National Education Trust (NET).

Fifty-eight schools fell under the priority two grouping. These schools, according to the ministry, were identified as moderately damaged meaning that while they require significant repairs, the schools can operate while repairs are being done.  The ministry said these works will commence once the priority one schools contract processes are addressed.

Ninety-one schools have minor damage and were placed under the priority three category but can operate while repairs are being done.

In the meantime, major, minor and clean up works are scheduled for the week of July 19, 2024 using the emergency procurement process.

The ministry said Permanent Secretary, Dr Kasan Troupe has approved the processing of $210 million for disbursement across its seven regions ($30 million per region) by July 17, 2024 to address urgent repair needs.

Regions are advised to reallocate funds as per the post disaster assessment report to ensure that schools can operate smoothly when the school year begins in September 2024.

Additionally, the ministry said schools have already received their tranche of the regular grants and maintenance grants which were disbursed in June 2024. Administrators are encouraged to use these funds with the guidance of the technical team in the regional offices for urgent repairs, with proper documentation for reimbursement.

Noting the ministry’s commitment to a swift and coordinated response, Education Minister Fayval Williams said, “The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities. We are working diligently to ensure that all necessary repairs are completed promptly so that schools can reopen safely in September. The technical team’s presence on the ground and their ongoing support have been invaluable during this time of recovery.”