KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — The Mayer Matalon Dormitory at Jamaica College (JC) was officially opened on July 14, during a ceremony at the Old Hope Road institution.

The facility, which is able to house 72 students, was named after Mayer Matalon, an outstanding former Jamaica College student who went on to become one of Jamaica’s leading financial visionaries.

In his remarks, Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator Ruel Reid, noted that the education system has a responsibility to ensure that citizens are ready to be productive in the global environment.

“Our ministry fully supports the pursuit of such an initiative. It is an important milestone in the life of this institution. Without a doubt, this block of dormitories will go a far way towards improving the lives of the students who have the privilege to share its accommodation,” Senator Reid said.

He added that boarding provides benefits, such as the ease and convenience to study, to do homework and to participate in extra sporting activities.

“Part of the educational outcome must be strong character building and in a society where our values seem to have been impaired, the education institution has to have as part of its mandate… to rebuild and re-socialise,” the Minister said.

The boarding facility will allow Jamaica College to provide room to boys in difficult circumstances, and those who travel long distances to school.

Each boy will be provided with his own bed, locker and access to the study area. Boys from similar year groups will be placed together. 

Boarding fees will range from $120,000 per term for local residents and US$7,500 per year for overseas students, with US$2,500 payable two weeks before the start of each term. The fees cover accommodation, all meals and organised homework, study and some Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) classes.

Acting Principal of Jamaica College, Wayne Robinson, said the dormitory is a part of the culture adjustment needed at the institution.

“The aim of the dorm is to ensure that we produce the kind of boys, in an environment that we have control over, that will come out and impact the rest of the school body and the world,” Mr. Robinson said.

Chairman of the Jamaica College Foundation, R. Danny Williams, said the dorm was provided at a cost of $80 million.

Funding was provided through 40 donors, comprising the Scotia Foundation, the Matalon family, Butch Hendrickson, past students of the school and Mr. Williams.