JTA Gives Government Ultimatum

The Jamaica Teachers Association is giving the Government 30 days to present a plan of action following reports of violence in schools and a teacher caught impersonating a police officer. According to the JTA president, Owen Speid, this plan of action is needed to go forward.

He says this increase in violence has an overwhelmingly negative effect on the education system.

“Students are being attacked by their peers. Teachers are being attacked and threatening by both teachers and students. Domestic Violence is also impacting the system negatively,” he explains.

Speid also sought to comment on an incident involving a teacher who was charged after he attempted to impersonate a police officer with an illegal firearm in his possession. Reports are that he visited the Elleston Road police station on February 6 and introduced himself as a Sergeant of police but was unable to provide a police identification card and a firearm licence. He was subsequently arrested, the firearm seized and his home searched.

“The details are sketchy to be commenting on a matter that is with the police but as far as we know we allow due process to take place – and whatever is in law is law and we allow the law to deal with it,” he shared.

Speid is now calling for a review of minimum standards for all schools along with increased security for students going to and from school. He says legal sanctions will be enforced for those who commit breaches on school premises and compensation must be given for those injured while on the job.

KHADIJAH THOMAS