I have been made aware of widespread public concern about certain sections of the Health and Family Life Education Programme (HFLE), curriculum used in Jamaican schools. There is strong objection to some of the questions on sexual behaviour and the commentary on heterosexuality/homosexuality. The public should note: -          The curriculum was revised over a two (2) year period 2009-2011 and...

Parents/Guardians, Teachers, Students, Friends of Education, Jamaicans all, a pleasant good evening. It is important that as we begin the 2012-2013 academic year, the conversation about education continues. It is the most important issue for the nation. Educational outcomes that will determine our future. We must understand what each of us must do, as we unite around the common good...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller, said that the government is fully committed to educational development, despite resource constraints. “We have a responsibility to educate our people and no matter how difficult it is in terms of our economy, education must continue to be a priority of any government, and will continue to be a priority for our administration,”...

Good evening, parents, teachers, learners, administrators, Jamaicans, all. It is that time of year again, when, tomorrow the metaphorical school bell will ring… and Jamaica goes back to school. Pencils are well pointed, bags are packed heavy with books , and uniforms sharply pleated  for the first day. Curious minds, will be met by steady and safe hands  in the...

I laud all teachers today. You have the undying regard of the Ministry of Education. We applaud your service to the education sector, the nation and God. Teacher’s Day provides an opportunity for the Ministry and Jamaica to recognize and honour the immense contribution of teachers to human development and progress.  It is with a deep sense of appreciation that...

International Teachers Day, October 5, 2010, provides another forum for the world to recognize and honour the immense contribution of teachers to human development and progress. It is with a deep sense of appreciation that I pay tribute to all teachers in Jamaica as we commemorate the day. The commitment of our teachers over decades has produced the sons and...

Parents, teachers, students, educators, friends, once again we look forward to the start of a new school year. For some of us it is a time of great anticipation and great expectations, for others it is the beginning of a period of struggle and sacrifice. For me, it is the beginning of a process by which the society makes better...

Teachers' Day 2010 sees us confronted by considerable challenges and some instability in our education sector. I urge us however, not to let the problems which prevail, shroud or cloud this very significant Day; but let us herald and praise our teachers, who over the years, have provided sterling service to our children and contributed to the advancement of our...

Regardless of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, parents the world over have the following traits in common: 1. They love their children2. They want the best for their children3. They learn how to parent from their own parents4. They can learn new ways of parenting. Research has shown us that nurturing parent-child relationships and parental participation in child related activities relate...

Today, World Teacher's Day, the people of Jamaica reflect on the fundamental contribution that teachers make to nation-building. Today, as we salute teachers all over the world, we must commit, as a Nation, to giving our teachers the support, respect and recognition they deserve. We must show respect for a profession that is more than a job, it is a...

PARENTS, STUDENTS, TEACHERS, JAMAICANS, GOOD EVENING. THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL PERIOD IS USUALLY A VERY EXCITING TIME FOR STUDENTS, PARENTS, EDUCATORS, AND THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, BUT IT IS ALSO A VERY CHALLENGING TIME. I REMEMBER WELL, AS A STUDENT, THE SMELL OF NEWLY SHARPENED PENCILS, THE CRISP LEAVES OF NEW EXERCISE BOOKS, THE NICELY PRESSED UNIFORMS AND MY HEAVY KNAPSACK AS...