Jamaica Education Ministry responds to reports of children exposed to sexual activity at hurricane shelters

The Jamaica Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information says it is investigating allegations that students are being exposed to sexual activity by Hurricane Melissa victims currently sheltering in some schools across the island.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the ministry said it has not received any official reports confirming inappropriate behaviour by shelterees, particularly in circumstances involving children, at schools being used as emergency shelters.

The statement follows concerns raised by Dr Mark Malabver, president of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), during Tuesday’s opening ceremony of the JTA Education Conference 2026. Malabver indicated that reports had surfaced suggesting students were being exposed to sexual acts involving Hurricane Melissa victims sheltering in schools.

Education Minister Senator Dana Morris Dixon described the allegations as serious and requiring urgent investigation.

“Any allegation of inappropriate behaviour in a shelter environment, particularly where children may be affected, is a matter of the greatest seriousness. I was shocked to hear the public allegation from Mr Malabver for the first time by way of a public address. I hope he made formal reports to all relevant authorities before doing so,” Morris Dixon said.

She urged Malabver to immediately provide the ministry with any available details, including dates, locations, and supporting information.

“Nonetheless, I am urging Mr Malabver to urgently share with the Ministry any reports, details, dates, locations, or other information in his possession so that these matters can be fully investigated without delay. We have a moral and statutory responsibility to report and investigate these allegations in the shortest possible time. The safety and well-being of our children will and must always be our utmost priority,” the minister added.

The ministry said it has already conducted checks with regional officials overseeing schools being used as shelters. According to the statement, regional director Dr Michelle Pinnock indicated that no such reports had been made to her office.

Additionally, principals of schools currently operating as shelters were contacted, and none confirmed that incidents of inappropriate behaviour had occurred. However, principals have requested additional time to conduct further due diligence given the seriousness of the allegations.

The ministry noted that there are currently 81 persons being accommodated across eight shelter sites.

Routine visits conducted by safety and security officers and shelter managers have also not produced any evidence to support the claims.

The ministry further pointed out that it meets with the JTA monthly and that the allegations were not previously raised during those discussions. Officials also said they were not informed ahead of Malabver’s public statement on April 7, 2026.

Despite the absence of confirmed reports, the ministry emphasized that it is treating the matter with urgency.

“The ministry takes all allegations affecting the safety and well-being of children seriously and will continue to treat this matter with urgency and care,” the statement said.