KINGSTON, Jamaica— Education Minister Fayval Williams, in an update during Wednesday’s Post Cabinet Press Briefing, said she was pleased that the 2024/2025 academic school year began as scheduled on September 2.

She told reporters that of the 1009 public schools (primary and high schools) in Jamaica, only two have not resumed face-to-face or virtual operations since the school year began on Monday.

She said these schools are expected to have full student engagement by Monday, September 9.

Williams explained that four primary schools have begun virtual classes while they await completion of repairs to damage done during the passage of Hurricane Beryl in July.

“There are four primary schools where there is some limited engagement in the virtual space. They are not back in the face-to-face yet, they are awaiting the final completion of work that needs to be done but they too are expected to also be back by Monday, September 9,” she said.

As for high schools across the education sector, classes began, as with other years, in a staggered approach, except at Munro College which suffered significant damage from the category four storm.

Williams said, however, that the principal of the institution had indicated a week ago that face-to-face classes will resume on September 9. In the meantime, students are being engaged virtually.

She disclosed further that Happy Grove High School in Portland did not reopen on September 2. Williams said construction is ongoing and the school has indicated that classes will begin on September 9.

The education minister went on to express gratitude to those involved in the preparation of having schools ready for the start of the academic year.

“I want to thank the dedicated staff within the Ministry of Education and Youth across the length and breadth of the education system, our building officers, the National Education Trust, and all our stakeholders who had to be on the ground to help advance the construction work,” she said.

Williams said of the 362 schools that were damaged during the passage of Hurricane Beryl, the infrastructure of the institutions have been “built back stronger”, and visits to these institutions will reveal the work done to aid in hurricane proofing.