Students at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona campus are protesting the decision to resume in-person classes shortly after Hurricane Melissa hit. Many feel the university is rushing things. The storm left thousands displaced, without power, and struggling to cope. The students want a one-week pause before classes start again.

The students describe the move as careless. They say many peers are still facing harsh conditions and emotional stress. They point out that other campuses, like UTech and UWI Western Jamaica, have delayed reopening or moved classes online. They also criticize the university for asking students to pay rent for rooms they could not stay in during the storm.

This protest is peaceful and shows support for those hardest hit by the hurricane. The students ask others not to attend classes on the planned reopening day. They believe rushing back to school ignores the very real challenges many are facing in the aftermath of the disaster.