By Erica James-King, Staff ReporterWESTERN BUREAU:
WENTWORTH GABBIDON, president of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA), yesterday added his voice to the growing list of persons who are condemning the violence which has been plaguing the troubled Arnett Gardens community of South St. Andrew.
Addressing a Kingston Book-shop awards function for teachers in western Jamaica, at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, Montego Bay, Mr. Gabbidon said the violence was not only traumatising the children, but was "depriving them of their right to educational opportunities in an environment that is safe and conducive to learning."
"It saddens my heart to hear of the children in Kingston... who had to stay home locked in their homes, because of some criminal elements in our land," the JTA president said.
Mr. Gabbidon was referring to the gun violence which forced the shutdown of several schools in South St. Andrew last week. The affected schools included Charlie Smith High, Jones Town Primary, Trench Town High, and several basic schools.
At a meeting on Friday between community members and Dr. Omar Davies, Member of Parliament for the area, and Minister of Finance and Planning, it was agreed that schools would reopen yesterday.
Mr. Gabbidon emphasised the need for communities to play a greater part "in ensuring that youngsters attend school in a peaceful atmosphere."
"Education is a national imperative and cannot be seen as the responsibility of just teachers and Government," said Mr. Gabbidon.
