PNP renews criticism of government's management of education sector

By Kimone Witter    

 

The People's National Party continued its broadside against the Andrew Holness led administration for its handling of the education sector at the party's 86th annual conference on Sunday.

 

Spokesman on Education, Damion Crawford, highlighted the poor performance of students in Mathematics and English Language in the recent Primary Exit Profile (PEP) and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams.

 

Mr. Crawford said the lackluster performance in the recent exams should have been what he calls the writing on the wall for Education Minister Fayval Williams. 

 

"Thirteen thousand children this year did not achieve proficiency in mathematics. They asked for bread, they were given stone. Eleven thousand children did not achieve proficiency in English Language. And then when it comes to CXC, it get worse because 18 per cent of Jamaican children get five subjects, including maths and English. And then I hear that the Minister of Education is seeking a promotion. What can go so? She should be asked for her resignation," said the opposition spokesman. 

 

According to Mr. Crawford, a PNP government will make major changes to the education sector, noting that the first order of business will be to address absenteeism. 

 

"In the rural area, [there is] 37 per cent absenteeism, and in the urban area, 18 per cent absenteeism. The first thing we are going to do is make sure we have boarding facilities for at least 30 per cent of our school population. And then we are going to give one meal per child in school," he announced.