EXCHANGE PRIMARY, ONE OF THREE SCHOOLS IN ST ANN TO OPEN SINCE MELISSA
UPDATED NOON..
OCHO RIOS, St Ann, November 6, 2025
Exchange Primary School became the first Government school to open its doors since the battering the country suffered from Hurricane Melissa.
The North Coast Times published an earlier version of this story on Thursday morning, saying Exchange Primary, near Ocho Rios was the only school of the 82 public educational institution that had opened. However, information later received indicated that the Northgate complex of schools and Cohen’s Prep, both private institutions, had opened.
Many schools have been put out of use across the parish. Water systems toppled or cut off, roofs or sections ripped off, parts of buildings wet, and books and supplies drenched. In some places. Given the widespread absence of electricity, it is difficult or daunting to get out. And the lack of internet makes online classes a pipe dream.
(Ms Cato at work with the only student to turn out on Monday)
But Exchange All Age, near Ocho Rios, has not been waiting on any all clear. On Monday of this week, November 3, one student turned up and found one teacher, Yvonne Cato, waiting there. Ms Cato worked one-on-one with her.
(Many ways to express yourself.)
Then, on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2025, many more students –77 – turned out. Classes were held, with modifications
The Acting Principal is Natalie Oates Johnson, and the Board Chairman is Gregory Chung. They are operating with a generator provided by the board chairman before the hurricane, and they have water in their pipelines.
Officer for Region 3, which includes St Ann and Trelawny, Karlene Segre told North Coast Times she is elated. The Ministry of Education is encouraging school administrators to be flexible and try to commence school, once they meet some minimum conditions, even for a few hours a day next week.
