The PNP Patriots is expressing serious concern over the conditions confronting students and teachers at Holland Primary School in St. Elizabeth, where Grade Two students have been forced to conduct classes under a bamboo structure and Grade Three students under a mango tree.

The situation comes nearly a year after Hurricane Melissa caused significant damage to the school. Parts of the school remain affected by mould, leaks and other damage, while a wooden structure that previously housed classrooms was destroyed during the hurricane.

The Ministry provided tents as a temporary solution, but on the first day of the new school year, the heat and poor ventilation made the tented classrooms unsuitable. Students and teachers were forced to seek relief outdoors, with Grade Two students using the school’s bamboo reading nook and Grade Three students holding class beneath a mango tree.

The PNP Patriots commend the teachers, parents and wider school community for doing their best to ensure that students continue learning despite these difficult circumstances. However, the resilience of educators and parents cannot replace the Government’s responsibility to provide safe and suitable learning environments.

PNP Patriots General Secretary Davalle Grant said, “It is unacceptable that nearly a year after Hurricane Melissa, children at Holland Primary are being forced to learn under bamboo trees and a mango tree because their classrooms are still not adequate for learning.

“We commend the teachers and parents who are doing everything they can, but their commitment should not be used as a substitute for proper Government action. Our children deserve classrooms that are safe, comfortable and conducive to learning.”

The PNP Patriots is calling on the Ministry of Education to provide the Holland Primary community with a clear timeline for the restoration of the school’s damaged facilities and to ensure that any temporary learning spaces provided are properly ventilated, safe and suitable for Jamaica’s climate. Grant added, “The Government has had months to move the recovery process forward.

Parents should not have to wonder whether their children will be learning in a classroom, a tent or under a tree. The students of Holland Primary deserve better, and we are calling for urgent action to give them the safe learning environment they deserve.”