Rayon Dyer, Gleaner Writer
OPPOSITION SPOKESMAN on Education Andrew Holness yesterday criticised the Govern-ment for "backtracking" on its plan to abolish cost-sharing in the secondary school system.
Mr. Holness was speaking with The Gleaner following a church service at the Bethel Gospel Chapel in Southfield, St. Elizabeth, ahead of today's 41st annual conference of the Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA).
"The education system needs a significant boost in order to realise the vision of free education for all students up to the secondary level," said Mr. Holness, adding that the Opposition has recommended that a greater portion of the national budget be allocated to the Education Ministry to reduce the burden on less fortunate parents preparing their children for school.
MINISTRY STICKING TO ANNOUNCEMENT
But Education Minister Maxine Henry-Wilson, who also attended the service, said her ministry is honouring the announcement made by Prime Minister P.J. Patterson in April to have parents pay half the prescribed school fees while Government pays the other half.
The Task Force on Education report had indicated that it would need $22 billion to reform the education system including implementing a programme of free education.
In delivering the keynote address at yesterday's service, the Rev. Dr. Paul Thompson said teachers must ensure that they capitalise on opportunities for further professional development.
"... If they are to create opportunities for themselves and their students they will have to rise above the grasshopper mentality," he said.
Scores of teachers were in attendance, including Michael Clarke, the outgoing president of the JTA, and Ruel Reid, incoming president.
