Senator Reid Hails JTA 2016 Roll of Honour Awardee

Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, has hailed 2016 Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) Roll of Honour awardee Juno Gayle as a fine example of excellence, commitment, and integrity in the teaching profession.

He noted that Mr. Gayle, who had a 40-year career as an educator, understands that teaching and educational administration require more than just turning up for work.

“True to his commitment to integrity and fair play, Mr. Gayle… has had strong words for his colleagues who were not abiding by the principles of the JTA’s Code of Ethics,” Senator Reid said.

“As a passionate advocate for the welfare of his colleagues, (he) was never hesitant to make his voice heard on issues having a negative impact on teachers and their ability to do an effective job.

Along the way, he has conducted professional and educational seminars, calling on his teaching, organisational, and analytical skills,” he noted further.

Senator Reid was addressing the award presentation ceremony held on November 29 at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.

The JTA Roll of Honour award recognises outstanding contribution to education, consistent with the JTA Code of Ethics. The honour roll demands of the awardee the highest level of probity, integrity and professional conduct. It also seeks to emphasise excellence in performance.

Mr. Gayle, who is retired, was recognised for his extensive knowledge of education policies, negotiation, community mobilisation and conflict resolution.

Throughout his 40-year career, the educator has transformed the lives of students, teachers, and community members.

He served as President Elect (1995-1996) and President (1996-1997) of the JTA, where he was the chief negotiator for just over 20,000 teachers across the island.

He was the JTA’s Regional Officer for the South Central Region where he represented the interests of some 6,000 teachers in Clarendon, St. Elizabeth and Manchester.

Mr. Gayle also served as Principal of the Giddy Hall All-Age School from 1984-1989; and Principal of the Lewisville High School from 1989-2000.

Senator Reid commended the JTA for instituting the award scheme, noting that it “affirms the critical role that adherence to principles play in the education of our young”. “When the JTA affirms these values, you send a positive signal to trainee teachers, students in the classroom and the wider public, that integrity and professionalism do matter,” he noted.

For his part, President of the JTA, Howard Isaacs congratulated Mr. Gayle for his outstanding service to the education sector.

He said as a Roll of Honour awardee, Mr. Gayle has “joined a noble band of honourable men and women, who dared to make a difference”.

Mr. Isaacs hailed Mr. Gayle as a mentor, friend and counsellor, who has devoted his life to education.

Mr. Gayle, in his response, expressed his appreciation to the JTA, noting that he had thoroughly enjoyed his service to the education profession.

“This function is a reminder of …my contribution to my chosen career,” he said.