KINGSTON, Jamaica -Several schools in Spanish Town, St Catherine have been closed for the day due to a flare-up of violence in the area according to the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information in a release Thursday afternoon.

The affected schools are St Jago High, Homestead Primary, Eltham High, Eltham Park Primary, St Catherine High and Burmar Academy.

Other schools in the Spanish Town area also closed at 12:30 pm today.

The ministry says it is working closely with law enforcement authorities to monitor the situation and ensure the safety and security of students and staff. Parents and guardians are urged to exercise caution and make appropriate arrangements for their children.

“We urge all our stakeholders to ensure that all safety precautions are taken at this time, particularly, our children and members of staff,” said Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dana Morris Dixon.

The ministry said it will continue to provide updates as the situation develops and encourages all stakeholders to stay informed through official channels.