MONTEGO BAY, September 5. 2024 – Schools across Trelawny saw a large turnout of students ready to embrace the new academic year, despite ongoing repairs to some institutions that were damaged by Hurricane Beryl.

Schools across the country have been divided into three priorities by the Ministry of Education and Youth, in an effort to facilitate timely restoration.

Priority One schools, which are the most severely damaged, must be fully repaired and ready before the school year starts. Priority Two and Three schools can continue to be repaired  while classes are in session.

In an interview with JIS News on Monday (September 2), Provisional Principal, Unity Primary and Infant school in Bunkers Hill, Marilyn Salmon, said despite damage to the school’s infrastructure, contingency plans put in place have proven effective.

“As you may see, our roof has been lifted… .  Unfortunately, it could not be done within the allotted time based on the level of work that needs to be done,” she said.

“But we have in place a contingency plan, which you might see taking place here now. We have our grade-one  students being housed in a different compartment that is not really the grade-one room, and so forth,” she added.

Ms. Salmon explained that as part of the contingency plan, the school has strategically combined classes where necessary and that teachers have been utilising outdoor spaces creatively to continue lessons.

“And teachers have had classes underneath trees since morning, and of course, the students are loving it,” she said.

Ms. Salmon also noted that while the school’s canteen is currently non-operational, alternative food options have been arranged for the students.

“We also have some electrical concerns, and those are under repairs also,” the Principal said.

For his part, Principal at Falmouth All-Age, Kirk Spencer, said the infrastructure at his institution also suffered damage, adding that despite a few challenges in obtaining materials, repair work continues.

“The contractor indicated that there were some issues with regard to procuring the materials. But he has pointed out that the work should be completed within a week. So, we are hoping that there are no further delays,” he said.

Mr. Spencer also added that they too have contingency plans in place due to not being as fully staffed as they had intended to be.

“We are not fully staffed, but we are adequately staffed. We would have received a resignation just a few days before school reopened, so that class will be manned by our vice-principal,” he said.

Despite the ongoing repairs, parents remain confident in the schools’ leadership and their commitment to providing quality education.

Parent at Falmouth All-Age School, Fiona Thomas, expressed her confidence in the institution, saying she expects nothing but the best for her child.

“As I entrust my child to this school, I am hoping and praying for the best,” she told JIS News.

Contact: Natalia Dixon

Release: JIS Montego Bay

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida  — The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF) proudly announces the latest cohort of recipients for its prestigious hospitality scholarship for the 2024/25 academic year. This scholarship program supports outstanding students from across the Caribbean, fostering their academic pursuits in critical areas of the hospitality industry such as culinary arts, business management, and hotel operations.

This year’s scholarships highlight the commitment to developing future leaders, with two of the 12 scholars set to pursue master’s degrees, including one in a notable partnership with Les Roches, Marabella.

Meet the 2024/25 Scholars:
Antigua:
Careena Eastwood: Pursuing an Associate Degree in Tourism Management at the University of The West Indies Open Campus.
Kerissa Henry: Enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management at the University of The West Indies Open Campus.
Olvanah Richardson-Burnette: Studying for a Bachelor of Science in Operations Management at Southern New Hampshire University.
Roan Akeem Jacobs: Engaged in the Food & Beverage Management Cornell Certificate Program through eCornell Online.

Bahamas:
Rhema Blackman: Continuing her Bachelor of Culinary Arts and Food & Beverage Management at Johnson & Wales University.
Marrisa Campbell: Earning an Associate Degree in Operations Management at Holland College.

Barbados:
Zaria Collymore: Completing a Bachelor of Hotel Management at Florida International University (FIU).
Jamal Griffith: Advancing to a Master’s in Marketing and Management of Luxury Tourism at Les Roches, Marbella. Jamal cites lifelong inspirations from accompanying his father on island tours, fostering a passion for promoting Barbados as a leading tourist destination.

St. Lucia:
Luthanie Luel Contantin: Pursuing a Bachelor of Tourism Management at Monroe College, with a focus on sustainable tourism and community empowerment.
Roxanne Nichelle Tench: Working towards a Bachelor of Science in Business Management at Monroe College.

Trinidad:
Sophia Rios Herrera: Continues to excel in her Bachelor’s in Hotel Management at Les Roches, Marbella.

USVI:
Ira Claxton: Advancing his Master’s in Hospitality Management with a specialization in Hotel Real Estate Development at FIU.

Karolin Troubetzkoy, Chairwoman of the Education Foundation, expressed her congratulations: “We are thrilled to support such an inspiring group of young professionals who are poised to lead and innovate in the Caribbean hospitality industry. We look forward to their future successes.”

To learn more about the CHTAEF and the scholarship opportunities it provides, please visit chtaef.com.

PRESS RELEASE 

FROM THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, YOUTH, SPORTS, AND CULTURE

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 3^rd September 2024 – The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture is thrilled to announce the reopening of schools across the Turks and Caicos Islands following the summer break.

The HJ Robinson High School, Thelma Lightbourne Primary School and the Adelaide Oemler Primary School will reopen on September 9, 2024.  The infrastructure projects at these schools extended beyond the original completion date thus resulting in the delay of their reopening. However, all other schools will resume September 4, 2024.

As schools prepare to welcome students back, the Ministry of Education has been working diligently to ensure that educational institutions are equipped and ready for a successful start to the year. This includes enhancing curricula, updating teaching materials, and preparing facilities for optimal learning environments. “We are excited to welcome our students back to school after a refreshing summer break,” said Minister of Education the Hon. Rachel Taylor. “The upcoming academic year promises to be filled with opportunities for personal growth, exploration, and achievement. Together, we can create an enriching environment that not only fosters learning but also nurtures resilience and collaboration among our students.”

The reopening of schools will include orientation activities, allowing students to reconnect with friends and teachers while acclimating to any new changes.

For additional details regarding the school reopening, including specific programs and resources available to students, please visit the Department of Education’s website or contact your local schools.