Close to 100 individuals are still being housed in school facilities across the island months after the passage of Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Dr. Kasan Troupe, confirmed that the displaced persons are currently occupying eight schools being used as emergency shelters.
The situation has drawn concern from education stakeholders. Earlier this month, President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), Mark Malabver, urged the Ministry of Local Government to relocate the occupants within three weeks. He warned that the continued use of school compounds as shelters alongside regular classes raises safety concerns and could erode trust in the education system.
In response, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie rejected the ultimatum, stating that the JTA does not have the authority to direct the ministry’s actions.
Dr. Troupe noted that many of the individuals still residing in the shelters are connected to the schools, including relatives of staff members and students.
Efforts to transition the remaining occupants out of the school facilities are ongoing.



