Justice Minister Encourages Students to Develop Strong Reading Habits

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Delroy Chuck, is encouraging students to develop strong reading habits, noting that reading is critical to leadership, personal growth and national development.

The Minister was addressing the reopening ceremony for the Catherine Hall Primary and Infant School’s Reading Room, in St. James, on May 20, following restoration work undertaken by the Ministry’s Social Justice Division after the facility sustained damage during Hurricane Melissa last October.

Mr. Chuck urged the students to make full use of the renovated space and commit to reading daily.

“When I came in, I saw a nice sign, ‘Read twice, think smart, answer strong’, and I hope all of you will remember those phrases,” the Minister said.

“Reading not only will make you a full man and woman, it is what will allow you to become a great citizen here in St. James and across Jamaica,” he added.

Mr. Chuck commended the Ministry’s Social Justice Division for identifying the Reading Room as a priority project following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, which caused damage to sections of the school.

He underscored that reading plays a vital role in shaping future leaders and professionals.

“All the outstanding people in Jamaica and across the world were great readers. Remember that. So, all the leaders across the world were great readers because reading makes leaders… and no leader will ever become a good leader unless he or she reads widely,” the Minister told the students.

Mr. Chuck further encouraged the students to go beyond reading only textbooks and to explore books that can broaden their knowledge and imagination.

For her part, Principal of Catherine Hall Primary and Infant School, Kay-Esther Malcolm, welcomed the initiative and expressed gratitude to the Ministry for assisting the institution in recovering from the effects of Hurricane Melissa.

She noted that the restored Reading Room will serve as an important educational resource for students.

“Reading is a skill that we need for a productive life, and all our children deserve to have this skill. We are truly thankful for your kind gesture,” Mrs. Malcolm said.

“This will be a great inspiration for our children and help prepare them for their great future. This has also helped our school to bounce back in a positive way from the effects of Hurricane Melissa,” she added.

Mrs. Malcolm described the project as a blessing for the institution and thanked the Ministry team for its support.