Schools Get $1.4 Billion in Early Disbursement

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information has disbursed over $1.4 billion in tuition support to high schools, enabling their early preparation for the 2016/17 academic year.

The Government had pledged the early disbursement of the funds, following an announcement to abolish auxiliary fees in high schools.

Speaking at a post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister today (June 15), Portfolio Minister, Hon. Ruel Reid, said this is the first time the subvention has been made available ahead of the customary August date.

“The Government made this promise and has kept its commitment,” Mr. Reid said.

He informed that the allocation is the first of the four tranches of payments to be made for the school year.   The second tranche of payment will be made in September, the third in December, and the final in April 2017.

The budget for tuition support has been increased to $3.9 billion from $2.6 billion for the last academic year.

Minister Reid reiterated the Government’s position that parents of secondary school students should continue to make voluntary contributions.

He said the Ministry will be engaging parents and other stakeholders through a major public-relations campaign aimed at ensuring continued support for schools.

“All we are asking is for schools to be very transparent and to work with the parents and school boards to set the level of contributions that is required,” he said.

Book-rental Scheme

Additionally, Mr. Reid announced that the Ministry will be implementing a sixth-form book-rental scheme in September. The initiative is expected to cost $200 million in the first year.

He informed further that over $250 million has been allocated to boost information and communications technology (ICT) services in high schools.

Institutions will receive laptops and desktop computers, as well as other software and support material.