The Education Ministry says most schools across the island had a smooth re-opening today (Jan 8) for the Easter term.

Some schools in Portland, St. Mary and Manchester were, however, unable to re-open as scheduled because of landslides and fallen Jamaica Public Service poles rendering access roads impassable.

In addition, road blocks mounted in South Manchester affected the smooth re-opening of the Winston Jones High school.

The school was opened but students and staff were affected in getting to their destination on time.

The Education Ministry says in response to a later advisory from the police of plans to mount more road blocks near the school, which would prevent those already on the compound from leaving, classes were dismissed early.

The landslides were caused by heavy rains which have been affecting sections of the island since last week.

Among the schools which did not re-open today due to landslides and other weather-related conditions were the Coopers Hill Primary, Moore Town Primary, and Fruitfulvale Primary in St. Mary as well as Claverty Cottage Primary in Portland.

Some schools also reported minor flooding and leaking roofs.

The Education Ministry says other schools reported that between 90 and 100 per cent of teaching staff had reported for work.

The student population in the majority of schools was up to 55 per cent.

The ministry says it is monitoring the situation and will provide any updates on changes to the existing situation.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for South Manchester Michael Stewart says efforts will be made to have deplorable roads in the constituency repaired as soon as the rains ease.

This follows a protest by irate residents this morning, who mounted several road blocks.

The residents were reportedly protesting what they say are the deplorable state of the roads and the lack of water for the past three weeks.

The blockades hampered the smooth re opening of some schools in the area for today’s start of the Easter term.

Mr. Stewart says he made representation last year about the roads, and work should have started, but the inclement weather has prevented it.

Among the schools affected are Winston Jones High, as well as the Pratville and Frankfield primary schools.

One resident, Natalie, says the residents are upset that despite their pleas for help since last year nothing has been done to the roads.

And, Principal of Frankfield Primary and infant school Marsha Lewis Brown, says the protest this morning prevented school from operating normally.