The Government is investing $302 million to restore and upgrade Petersfield Primary and Infant School in Westmoreland as part of ongoing efforts to repair schools damaged by Hurricane Melissa before the start of the 2026/2027 academic year.
Education, Skills, Youth and Information Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon announced the investment during a Back-to-School Readiness Tour of schools in the parish on Tuesday.
The project includes a major roof replacement, the installation of new windows, and the construction of a new eight-classroom block.
Dr. Morris Dixon said roofing work is expected to be completed by next week, allowing many classrooms to be ready for students when the new school year begins in September.
Construction of the new classroom block is expected to begin within weeks and continue throughout the first term, with completion targeted for January.
“We cannot allow the roof to go again if there’s another hurricane, and so we have to build it properly,” the Minister said.
“So, we are putting $302 million into Petersfield Primary School. What you see here is really our commitment to doing things better. It means it’s more expensive, but it’s the right thing to do,” she added.
While temporary measures, including tents, will still be needed during the first term, Dr. Morris Dixon expressed confidence that the school’s administration will be able to accommodate students as construction continues.
She also urged parents to remain confident in the school, noting that the temporary disruptions will lead to a safer and improved learning environment.
During the tour, the Minister highlighted additional investments in Westmoreland, including nearly $1 billion being spent to reconstruct and expand Unity Primary School, which she said will emerge as “basically a brand-new school.”
She noted that many schools across the parish sustained extensive damage during Hurricane Melissa, with repair costs for most exceeding $100 million. Priority is being given to the hardest-hit institutions, while rehabilitation work continues at other affected schools.
The Minister also visited Coke’s View Primary School to inspect ongoing repair work.
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