There are wide spread protests in St. Thomas this morning (Nov 6)  as residents demand attention from the government for their parish especially for the repairing of roads.

Residents say for too long they have been neglected.

There are reports of blocked roads at Bustamante Bridge in Springfield, Church Corner, Seaforth, Spring Gardens and Dumfries.

Some of the roads are being cleared.

One St. Thomas resident Omar Ryan has been calling for St. Thomas residents to stay away from work to highlight the seriousness of the situation.

According to Mr. Ryan for years, the authorities have failed to address the roads. He is among protesters in Morant Bay.

Meantime, protesters at Dumfries Crossing indicate that they are fed up with the bad road conditions.

And, several schools in St. Thomas have been forced to suspend classes today in light of the widespread demonstrations.

Education Ministry officials have taken the decision to not have school in some cases, and in other instances end school early, to ensure the safety of students and staff.

In an interview with Irie FM News earlier this morning, acting Principal at the Lyssons Primary, Courtney Lindsay says of the 1048 enrolled at the institution, about 16 students turned up, while 25 of the 40 teachers on staff were at school when the decision was taken to suspend classes.

It was a similar situation at bath primary and junior high.

Principal, Earline Thomas says a number of teachers live outside of the area, and were unable to make it to work.

Eight of the 13 teachers on staff made it to school, while only thirty-two of the 163 students arrived for school this morning.

Mrs. Thomas says she consulted with the school’s Chairman and a decision was taken to  dismiss school, minutes to 10 o’clock, this morning.

And, over at the Morant Bay high school, Principal Dr. Dalton Shaw says school will end early at lunch time.

Dr. Shaw is asking parents to pick up children as soon as possible.

He is encouraging parents to listen to the media for further advisories from the Ministry of Education, regarding school for tomorrow.

Irie FM News understands that Duckensfield Primary, St. Thomas Technical and Robert Lightbourne High, have also suspended classes for today.