Jamaica Strengthens School Security and Water Preparations Ahead of Reopening

KINGSTON, Jamaica — August 31, 2026

Jamaican authorities are increasing security around schools and urging administrators to conserve water as the country prepares for the reopening of classrooms on September 7.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force says School Resource Officer patrols will be expanded during the coming academic year. These specially assigned officers support the Safe Schools Programme by helping to maintain order, protect students and promote secure learning environments.

National Safe School Coordinator Sergeant Andrew Williams said officers will also patrol surrounding school zones to discourage students from loitering in streets and other potentially unsafe areas. School Resource Officers across the police divisions are expected to coordinate their activities as part of the wider safety effort.

The security measures come as schools contend with another concern: worsening drought conditions.

Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education Senator Marlon Morgan has called on principals and other school leaders to strengthen water-conservation practices. He encouraged institutions with suitable facilities to harvest rainwater and use it for sanitation and other purposes that do not require treated drinking water.

Morgan said administrators must manage their available supplies responsibly because weather conditions are beyond their control.

The Ministry of Water is also allocating additional money to deliver water by truck to communities severely affected by the drought. Water Minister Matthew Samuda has said schools should not be forced to close because of inadequate supplies when the new academic year begins.

The National Water Commission has consequently been directed to provide trucked water to affected institutions where necessary. The water and education ministries are also collaborating on a storage-tank programme for early-childhood institutions that lack adequate capacity.

Some schools are developing their own contingency plans. Ocho Rios Primary School in St Ann reportedly has sufficient storage but is arranging alternative access to water if conditions deteriorate. St Ann Preparatory School has indicated that private institutions may face greater difficulty obtaining government assistance and would welcome additional support if the drought worsens.

Together, the security patrols and water measures form part of a broader effort to ensure that schools reopen safely and remain operational despite the dry conditions.

Parents and students are being encouraged to observe school-safety rules, avoid loitering and use water responsibly as the new term begins.