Jamaica
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Some schools disrupted a second day as taxi protest continues

By Kimone Witter 

It was a second day of disruption for schools in some rural parishes as transport operators again withdrew their service.

In St. Ann, face-to-face classes at some institutions were suspended, while lessons were moved online at other schools.

The affected schools include York Castle, St. Hilda's and Brown's Town High.

Heather Reid-Johnson, Principal of St. Hilda's High, told Radio Jamaica News that students who made it to school were accommodated.

At the nearby Brown's Town High, classes ended after the morning shift.

Several students from other schools were seen in Brown's Town unable to access public transportation.

In Mandeville, Manchester, some taxi operators parked their vehicles at stands in the town, leaving commuters stranded.

Principal of Mile Gully High, Christopher Tyme, said a majority of his students are from the inner communities of Mile Gully, and were not affected by the strike. 

However, he said the school bus will be used to transport students who had challenges, especially those who must travel through the town of Mandeville.

"We will also assist them in the afternoon to get back into Mandeville, and whatever support we can give them to get back home, we will do so," he noted. 

Shirley Johnson, President of the Central Manchester Taxi Association, says expectations are high ahead of Tuesday afternoon's statement from Transport Minister Audley Shaw.

It is anticipated that Mr. Shaw will address the concerns raised by transport operators about the new Road Traffic Act.

According to Mr. Johnson, he expects "good sense" to come from the minister's address, warning that the operators would continue to withdraw their service otherwise. 

He said he has asked his members to hold strain until after the minister's presentation.