THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM totally, unalterably and unconditionally opposed to the PNP Government's system of providing benefits for assisting children's education. For the past two weeks I have been vainly attempting to have you publish my statements condemning the chaos in the education system which has led thousands of parents to be in a state of bewilderment and confusion. I have called for immediate registration of the children, whether they have the fees or not. The only message which The Gleaner (August 17) now publishes is a statement claiming my support. This is so ludicrous that it would make a good comedy at my expense.
The matter is not funny. The parents cannot access COSH or the PATH because of serious misunderstandings within the system. The ministries of Education (COSH) and Social Security (PATH) claim hundreds of millions of dollars unspent, while parents languish in distress.
From as far back as 1991 when the COSH programme was announced I stated in Parliament and at other fora, my objection to the system of having parents beg for help to get their children into school. It is my view and that of the Jamaica Labour Party, that in this day and age, all children ought to be guaranteed tuition-free education to the secondary level as a necessary investment for the advancement of the country.
The present system where people are interviewed about details of their personal, private lives as a means of determining whether their children have their school fees paid, is cruel and unreasonable. It is a prime example of bad governance and sets individuals in a confrontational mode with the state, or obliges them to run to politicians for help, whether they wish to approach the politicians or not.
I am etc.,
SEN. ANTHONY JOHNSON
Jamaica Labour Party
Spokesman on Education,
Science and Technology
