Breadnut Hill Primary in St. Ann To Be Upgraded

Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna,  says the Japanese Government’s gift of  $11 million to do infrastructural work at the Breadnut Hill Primary School, in St. Ann,  falls within the Ministry of Education’s plan to do away with the shift system as quickly as possible.

Speaking at the Grant Agreement Signing Ceremony at the School, in South East St. Ann, on December 4, Ms. Hanna said there can be no greater investment than the investment in a good education,

“Primary education is near and dear to my heart. We are going to use this money to separate the classrooms, so students will now have different classrooms without the distractions. We are going to have new buildings and we are going to do some painting,” she said.

The Minister, who is also Member of Parliament for the area, said the relationship between Japan and Jamaica is not only special in the areas of culture and heritage, but is one that was born out of mutual respect.

“We both believe in golden opportunities…we both believe in fortitude, and we both believe in the value of a good education. Japan has been a tried and proven friend of Jamaica and on behalf of the teachers and students of Breadnut Hill Primary, we want to thank them wholeheartedly for this gift,” she said.

Meanwhile, Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica, Masanori Nakano, said the Japanese Government places a high value on education, adding that the education of its people has made Japan one of the most powerful industrialized nations in the world.

“Our assistance policy also places emphasis on human security, which focuses on protection and empowerment of people. Under such a policy, we have been assisting projects in Jamaica and other partner countries which contribute to the empowerment of people through education and life-long learning opportunities,” he said.

The Ambassador stressed that the signing ceremony is a significant achievement, which indicates a genuine commitment by the people and Government of Japan to further enhance education in Jamaica.

“As we all know, a good education is rooted in the classroom, the home and the community. A good education requires not just a strong curriculum, but dedicated and professional teachers, and also students who are motivated to learn. In addition, we also need adequate resources and facilities and also parents and communities that value education,” he argued.

The Ambassador also paid tribute to the Government and people of Jamaica for the courtesy and respect shown to the Prime Minister of Japan, His Excellency Shinzo Abe, when he visited the island in September.

“During his visit, Prime Minister Abe and Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller reaffirmed their intention to strengthen the Japan-Jamaica partnership,” he said.

“Our Embassy here in Jamaica has been steadfastly following up on the discussions of our leaders. In this regard, it is with great pleasure that I sign this important Grant Agreement, formalizing the agreement between the Embassy of Japan and the Breadnut Hill Primary School Board,” the Ambassador said.