Perspective: Back to School in Jamaica is a Pass with Flying Colours

The Ministry of Education Youth and Information is advising that the 2016/17 school year got off to a very good start. There was one reported incident of blocked roads in the Port Morant area of St. Thomas which resulted in some students getting to school late but this did not affect the commencement of the schools in that area.

There were three reported incidents of the shortage of uniforms in three schools across the island. The Regional Directors have been assisting the principals to resolve the situation. Meetings were held with the parents and were amicably settled.

The Ministry will continue to monitor the schools through its dashboard during this week, to ensure that this positive trend continues unabated.

Commentary

Pass with Flying Colours

The 2016/17 academic year for public sector schools has been a resounding success. The attached release gives the details. We know as reported in Vision that the critics and Opposition have been sharpening their swords, based on their utterances to tear down and attack the system. They have without good reason found it necessary to oppose, oppose and predict doom and gloom.

Opposition is healthy for any democracy, but tearing down without good cause is disgusting if not in poor taste.

From all reports there were minor glitches but we can report that overall things went extremely well. We say congrats to Education Minister, Reid and his team for their hard work.

The communication has been regular and effective and this has helped to make a smooth roll out of the education system.

Grants

There has been an early pay out of grants from June 2016, which has not happened before so early. This helps school administrators to plan and implement systems to get smooth running of their plants. For example furniture, sanitation, security to name a few areas. Another tranche will be disbursed in September. This will make it possible for the employment of temporary staff both ancillary or academic, if required.

We say ride on Minister Reid, you have our support as you surge forward with your plans to improve the education system.

PM Holness has warned that “no child should be turned back” due to none or late payment of fees.

Do not discriminate school officials.

Commentary by Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie (Senior International Correspondent & photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada)