Schools in western Jamaica reopened their doors on September 3 as the 2012/2013 academic year got underway.

Some students faced transportation delays, due to a road block along the Irwin/Sign main road, mounted by residents protesting water shortage in the area. However, the blockage was quickly cleared by the police, allowing for free movement of traffic.

Acting Regional Director of the Ministry of Education's Region 4, Hilary Foster, said that except for a few reports related to furniture challenges things went relatively smoothly.

She said that measures are already in place to address the needs by the end of the week.

Principal of the Herbert Morrison Comprehensive High School and Immediate Past President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), Paul Adams, told JIS News that things got off to a good start in Montego Bay, notwithstanding the usual jitters and uncertainties where new students were concerned.

"There were no real challenges that were not immediately dealt with as they related to careful scrutiny of uniforms to ensure compliance with school rules and regulations. So far, things have gone very well and I am looking forward to a very successful and productive school year," Mr. Adams noted.