Democratic Labour Party (DLP) education spokesman Quincy Jones has called for urgent action on outstanding school repairs and clear timelines for students and teachers displaced by the work.
In his back-to-school message, Jones said several school communities were starting the new academic year in temporary arrangements while repairs and retrofitting continued.
He noted that at least 13 schools earmarked for major work had closed early in June to allow the projects to begin, but said the intended timetable had not been met.
“It is unfortunate that the precise mobilisation required to deliver fully on that timetable was not achieved. That reality must be acknowledged candidly as the programme moves forward,” Jones said.
He also noted that work had been undertaken at other schools during the summer and remained incomplete at some.
Jones called on the Ministry of Education Transformation to accelerate the programme and get affected students back into their schools “without further undue delay”.
“Our children deserve learning environments that are safe, comfortable, functional, and conducive to achievement,” he said.
The DLP spokesman also demanded greater transparency about when the outstanding projects would be completed.
“Communities should not be left term after term wondering when their children will return to their schools,” he said.
“Progress must be measured against stated commitments, published timelines, and clearly communicated milestones. Our parents deserve answers. Our teachers deserve certainty. And our students deserve better.”
Jones also raised concern about the heat students could face during the opening weeks of the term, particularly those being accommodated at temporary locations, and called for adequately supplied water stations.
“No child should be expected to endure excessive heat without reasonable access to water and the basic measures necessary to protect their comfort and wellbeing,” he said.
Beyond the school repairs, Jones challenged students, teachers and parents to accept greater responsibility for educational outcomes during the 2026-2027 academic year.
He urged students not simply to attend school but to commit themselves to learning, telling them that “talent can open a door, but discipline, perseverance, and determination will carry you through it”.
Teachers, he said, should recognise their influence beyond delivering the syllabus, while parents should see themselves as partners rather than spectators in their children’s education.
“What is built during the school day must not be undone when a child walks through the front door at home,” Jones said.
He also called on schools, families, churches, communities and the wider country to help students whose families could not afford books, appropriate school apparel or other essential supplies.
“No child should fall behind academically, socially, or emotionally because they lack what ought to be considered basic educational provisions,” he said.
Jones said the year ahead should ultimately be one of action and shared responsibility.
“Students must rise to the challenge. Parents must strengthen the partnership. Teachers must continue to lead. And the authorities must deliver the environment in which our children can succeed.” (BT)
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