The Editor, Sir:

While Bruce Golding is busy promising free education at the secon-dary level, he should be aware tha this will greatly improve access, there is no guarantee that, by itself, we will see a corres-ponding improvement in either participation or achievement.

Also, by free education, do we mean that those who are able and/or willing to pay will be excused from paying? If so, would this not impose an unnecessary and therefore immoral burden on taxpayers?

If Mr. Golding's promise is based on anything more than a mere desire to induce votes, he must engage the country in serious and meaningful discussion that addresses these concerns.

More resources

Since government earns practically no money of its own, what Mr. Golding is promising away represents, primarily, that portion of citizen's property (income) which government appropriates via taxes, etc. And since government does this without our explicit consent, there is an implied duty of care - that whatever is taken is no more than is necessary for the provision of common services that are impractical or inefficient for citizens to provide for themselves.

While there appears to be general consensus about the need to commit more resources to education, it does not follow that increased spending in any area of education or in any manner, will yield the desired results. Mr. Golding must therefore be concerned about the appropriateness and efficacy of his policy proposals.

Promise

It is easy for Mr. Golding, or any government, to give away or promise what does not belong to them in the first place. Throughout Mr. Golding's long career in politics - both in government and Opposition - what creative approaches to education funding has he proposed?

As a to free education, has Mr. Golding considered applying his leadership skills to promoting a nationwide effort where corporate Jamaica absorbs the secondary school population as part of a summer/internship programme? Such a programme would help students to defray back-to-school expenses while instilling proper work ethic and imparting practical knowledge and skills.

No doubt, Mr. Golding finds it much easier and far less bothersome to promise away money which does not belong to him!

What worries me about this free education promise is that it is possible for my hard-earned tax dollar to fund students who regularly shun classes in favour of mini bus excursions around town on "no panty days"!

Iam, etc;

NORD KELLY

nord.kelly@yahoo.com