Roadblocks mounted on the Guy's Hill main road in St Catherine yesterday prevented scores of students, including some who were going out for the first time since the start of the new academic year, from attending school.

With the bridge that joins Redwood and Guy's Hill washed away for several years, the Guy's Hill main road in deplorable condition and the absence of regular water supply in the area, the people took to the streets with placards showing their disgust at the situation.

For Jordaine Copeland, a student of McGrath High School, losing a day at school means he will have to catch up on the schoolwork that he missed.

However, he said he hopes the situation in the area will be addressed as it also deeply affects him.

"When school is over we have to be in Linstead until nights because the taxis not running because of the roads. It is affecting our school work because we can't get to do our homework," Jordaine said.

problems when it rains

Principal of Redwood Primary Lascelles Burnett said when it rains heavily several students are prevented from attending school and persons are also prevented from entering the community.

"We have been having serious problems whenever it rains. We have to dismiss early as there would be an overflow in the area that we now drive as a result of the absence of the bridge," he explained.

He said while several students have been affected by the roadblock it is one way to call for the authorities to address the longstanding problem.

nadisha.hunter@gleanerjm.com