Byron McDaniel, Gleaner WriterWALDERSTON, Manchester
THE NEW school year began in Manchester with a flurry of activities by students and staff of the parish's approximately 172 educational institutions from basic school to teachers college as well as by transport operators and vendors.
There were complaints of insufficient space and furniture, low funding of the school's feeding programme and a general intolerance to police presence in a new initiative which principals claimed they knew nothing about.
President of the Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA), Mr. Wentworth Gabbidon, who is also principal of the Pike All-Age School in the parish, said his association has not been contacted about the police initiative.
The age old problem of space persists as well as furniture but the past students of Pike did a wonderful job at the school in August.
President of the Manchester Association of Principals, Travert Spence who is also principal of Bethabara Junior High and Primary School said he hoped to see an increase in the grant for canteens.
Wesley Baker, principal of Bryce All-Age described the school furniture as ancient and falling apart, while Rev. Fitzroy Williams principal of the Christiana High School said with a population of 2,400 his school was the largest in the region and needed another block.
Mr. Stanley Skeene, Principal of May Day High School, who is also president of the association of principals and vice-principals of upgraded high schools, said space was a problem but with the assistance of citizens, old furniture was repaired and a major refurbishing done.
When The Gleaner contacted the regional director of the Ministry of Education Rev. Rueben Gray, he said to his knowledge all public schools were opened including Old England Primary which was damaged by the effects of Hurricane Charley.
