Lawrence

The Ministry of Education yesterday reported that some 30 schools across the island had been damaged by Tropical Storm Gustav, which pounded the island last week.

Jasper Lawrence, chief education officer in the Ministry of Education, said the majority of the damaged schools are located in Region 2, which covers Portland, St Thomas and sections of St Mary.

The schools either have extensive roof damage or are cut off from communities because of landslides or downed electricity poles. Some schools are also still being used as shelters.

Meanwhile, Lawrence said most of the public schools either have no or limited damage and will reopen tomorrow. However, he noted that some with road networks that have been cut off will not reopen in time.

He said principals were working feverishly to ensure that schools are ready. Lawrence said some schools with roof damage will reopen on a phased basis.

The chief education officer said estimates of the damage are being worked out by the technical officers and should be ready by today or tomorrow.