KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Ruel Reid, is urging students to become purveyors of peace in school and in their wider communities.

 He also urged them to stay away from gang activity and focus on getting a solid education.

“You are going to stay in school; you are going to maintain peace and harmony between each other and encourage persons in your community to be very peaceful and to keep away from crime and violence,” he said.

The education minister was addressing classmates of late Denham Town High School student, Roshane Smith, this morning (January 30).  

Reid, along with a team from the ministry, visited the school to offer condolences at the death of the 13-year-old and provide counselling to students and staff.

He noted that there are several social programmes under his ministry and other agencies to ensure that children stay in school, noting that other initiatives will be rolled out.

 “Don’t drop out of school because the Government is giving you enough support to go as high as getting a degree. That is where I want you to set your vision,” he said.

Reid, who had earlier addressed the school’s devotion, gave a commitment to do all that he can to lift the conditions of institutions in the area in terms of upgrading the physical plants and improving their ability to deliver quality education.

He said his vision is to see all the schools in the entire southern belt of Kingston being well developed and “really represents what the capital city ought to be.”

The minister assured the teachers that improving their welfare remains a priority of the Government and “we will do all that we can to make your lives safe as possible and as stress-free as possible.”

He expressed appreciation to the educators for their commitment to the profession. “I see the dedication and the interest that you show in your students,” he said.