NO CLASSES TODAY, EFFORTS BEING MADE TO RESUME QUICKLY
ORACABESSA, St Mary; Feb. 27, 2025 (Story update at 11 a.m.)
Classes were suspended Thursday, February 27, at Oracabessa Primary School by a fire that gutted three classrooms at the institution, Oracabessa St Mary, Wednesday night
The Fire Brigade is reporting that the damage done by the fire is estimated at J$5 million.
Assistant Commissioner for Area II of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Julian David Buckle confirmed that the fire destroyed three rooms and their contents at the rear of the premises. The rooms were constructed of board with zinc roofing. The Fire Brigade estimated that 90 percent of that structure was destroyed and pointed out that it was not attached to the larger building housing the school.
Mrs Davis Buckle said the Fire Brigade was notified of the blaze at 11:22 p.m., Wednesday. One unit from the Ocho Rios fire station, in neighbouring St Ann, fought the blaze.
Principal of the school Winsome McFarlane Forbes told North Coast Times that the school was waiting for the investigations and clearance from the relevant authorities to see how soon normality will return to the institution. She did not rule out school activities being held there Friday, February 28, Jamaica Day.
More than 600 students attend the school. There are 27 teachers on staff. Administrative and ancillary staff number five..
(A section of the school before the fire)
(Better days,. MP Robert Montague at the opening of a lab at Oracabessa, years ago, in this North Coast Times file Photo)
The school administration and MP for West St Mary Robert Montague have started the search for alternative spaces to accommodate activities displaced by the fire.
In a media post to his constituents Mr Montague said: “We are so sorry for this but the children, parents, teachers and staff, will not be left alone in this disaster. “He told the North Coast Times, “It’s a devastating loss but we will pick up the pieces.”
(Stay with the North Coast Times for updates)
A section of the school on fire, watch:
