Opposition questions gov't push to pass JTC bill during election year

 

The parliamentary opposition is questioning the government's motive to push through the Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC) bill, particularly in an election year.

 

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Opposition Spokesperson on Education Senator Damion Crawford argued that the proposed law in its current form does not truly support teachers. 

 

He is contending that the bill seemed more punitive than supportive, a position he shared in the Senate last Friday prior to the passage of the legislation in the Upper House. 

 

The bill seeks to formally establish the Jamaica Teaching Council, which will regulate the teaching profession and issue licences. Senator Crawford argues that the opposition is not against the licensing of teachers or the regulation of educators, but he says the current approach as outlined in the bill is fraught with issues.

 

The opposition put forward several recommendations for correcting these deficiencies.

 

"Extend the licensing period from five years to ten years for stability. Introduce six-month grace period for licence renewal after expiry. Require police record only once unless there's a reasonable cause to request another and fund the Jamaica Teaching Council through direct government subvention, not teacher licensing fees. With 30,000 teachers, if the licensing fee is $20,000 per teacher, they would have taxed the teacher $600 million. If it is that this is so necessary, it should be funded by government."

 

Senator Crawford said the opposition is not against continuous professional development.

 

"In fact, we are very much in support. As we have recommended, if I may repeat, mandate all required CPD courses to be free or fully subsidised. Grant CPD credit for in-service accomplishments, such as mentoring, leadership and school contributions," he outlined.

 

When asked whether concerns were raised by opposition members during the Joint Select Committee meetings on the bill, Senator Crawford said the deficiencies identified by the opposition point to a lack of scrutiny by those in government. 

 

He added that some opposition members being absent from committee meetings, as stated by government Senator Kavan Gayle, does not warrant a dismissal of the opposition's recommendations.

 

"If it is that the PNP members were 'absent', for which we know JLP members who went to five out of 45 meetings, then it is right that the people consider that we should be the government. An excuse such as that is not one that is sufficient for us to delay the conversation on. So he should speak to the capacity of his persons who were present to not have seen the things that our entire team immediately saw."

 

A strident Mr. Crawford said a PNP government will address the inadequacies it has highlighted in the bill.

 

When Radio Jamaica News sought a response from the Jamaica Teachers' Association on the bill, President Dr. Mark Smith said the JTA has submitted the bill to its lawyers who are conducting an assessment. 

 

He said a press conference will be convened once the assessment is complete. The bill is set to be debated in the House of Representatives.