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Prime Minister Hands over Tablets in Trelawny

By: , September 26, 2021

The Key Point:

The devices were handed over to Member of Parliament for Trelawny Northern, Tova Hamilton, for distribution to the students.
Prime Minister Hands over Tablets in Trelawny
Photo: Adrian Walker
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (right), displays one of 60 tablet computers donated to students in Trelawny Northern, at a vaccination blitz held at the Trelawny Multipurpose Stadium, on Thursday (September 23). Sharing in the Moment is Member of Parliament for the constituency, Tova Hamilton (left).

The Facts

  • Mr. Holness said that the presentation of the tablets represents Government’s commitment to ensure that all students are afforded an equal opportunity to learn in the virtual space.
  • Principal of Wakefield Primary, Michael James, in an interview with JIS News, expressed gratitude on behalf of students from his institution who will benefit from the donation.

The Full Story

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has handed over  60 tablet computers to enable needy students in Trelawny Northern to maintain virtual learning during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Speaking to journalists following a vaccination blitz at the Trelawny Multipurpose stadium on Thursday (September 23), Mr. Holness said that the tablets were acquired courtesy of Consul General in New York, Alsion Roach Wilson.

The devices were handed over to Member of Parliament for Trelawny Northern, Tova Hamilton, for distribution to the students.

In addition to the tablets, Mr. Holness, through his Positive Jamaica Foundation, donated a multifunctional laser printer to an institution to be selected by Ms. Hamilton, to assist with the printing of educational material.

Mr. Holness said that the presentation of the tablets represents Government’s commitment to ensure that all students are afforded an equal opportunity to learn in the virtual space.

“It is our solid commitment to ensure that our children are able to get education, even if they are not able to attend school physically, and so we are supporting them with tablets. So, the Government of Jamaica has assisted, through the Ministry of Education [Youth and Information], through the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH), ensuring that children who are on PATH get a device. That has gone well,” he said.

The Prime Minister noted that in addition to provisions made for students on PATH, students continue to receive support under the ‘Own Your Own Device’ (OYOD) initiative.

He said that programme is progressing steadily and encouraged needy parents to register children under the initiative.

“That programme is moving apace. I gather it has not moved as quickly, but still parents are taking advantage of it. I encourage parents who have resources, but would need a subsidy, to inquire more about that programme and participate in that programme,” the Prime Minister underscored.

Expressing gratitude, Ms. Hamilton said that the devices will greatly assist needy students who have been struggling to access classes virtually.

“Parents would have reached out and we would have verified the needs. We have a wide cross-section of school, 10 or more schools, that will benefit from this distribution. With this donation today, we can go a very long way, so I am very happy,” Ms. Hamilton said.

Principal of Wakefield Primary, Michael James, in an interview with JIS News, expressed gratitude on behalf of students from his institution who will benefit from the donation.

“I would just like to say thanks to the Hon. Prime Minister and the MP for this initiative. Yes, we are in need of these devices because we are going through challenging times,” he said.

Last Updated: September 26, 2021

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