Elaine Foster Allen, Chairman of the PNP's Education Commission - file photo
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Elaine Foster Allen
The Parliamentary Opposition has joined the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) in criticising the Ministry of Education for attempting to restrict school boards from voicing concerns about its policies.
This is included in a proposed code of conduct to be added to the Education Regulations.
It would also prohibit politically active public sector teachers and principals from criticising the ministry's programmes and policies in any media.
Elaine Foster Allen, Chairman of the PNP's Education Commission, said she is aware of a document which the ministry has issued to board members, instructing them not to speak publicly about its policies or to criticise the minister or ministry.
She views this as an attempt to intimidate school boards and is questioning the motive behind the document.
"Board members are citizens of Jamaica. They volunteer their time and service and are you telling me that if I see something going off and wrong as a citizen of Jamaica, I should not, whether I'm a board member or not, I shouldn't say, 'Hold on, that doesn't look right, that doesn't sound right. Where is that leading us to?' " she argued.
The provisions have generated concern in the JTA, with president Dr. Garth Anderson asserting that it was never consulted.
He said the issue will be raised next week during a scheduled meeting with the Ministry.
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