THE response by the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) to a police study on education and crime has received support from Jamaica Observer online readers. The study — which sampled 894 prison inmates and their backgrounds, including the schools they attended —identified 18 schools that were largely attended by individuals now in prison. In his response, JTA President Dr Mark Nicely says it was unfortunate to label the schools as producers of prisoners as the move contradicts the Ministry of Education’s push to end discrimination against non-traditional high schools. Here are some edited comments:

george

It is a well-written report. But to associate the schools as a contributor is garbage. Another thing, we should eliminate the category non-traditional and traditional high school. If they are now high schools, then we should address them as such.

fieldgar

Well said, Dr Nicely.

Really

Some of these children do not have a choice because of where they live. Maybe the dons and gangs enforce their will that the students must join their illegal activities or some form of punishment will be meted out to them. Look at the article in the newspapers on the window washers who work on shifts and have to give their money to someone who controls them. It was very poor of Mr Thwaites to name the schools and it seems as if there is an unwritten claim that these schools mainly produce thugs and criminals.

Which school did ‘Dudus’ attend? Would the minister also point his finger at that school as [‘Dudus’] is considered a criminal? Mr Thwaites, it appears as if you were hasty and did not think of the backlash when you happily made your statement. You ought to do the correct thing and apologise to the schools named. I wonder which schools the people who are accused of corruption in the Government attend?

Gary B

Where does the minister get off? If that’s the case, as he suggested, wouldn’t that be a telltale of the kind of education system that his ministry is governing? One would’ve thought that a study of that nature would encompass society, communities, governance and security.

guest

This may very well be a crude and unscientific survey, but the conclusion is worthy of note and be the catalyst for improvement. Would not be surprised if this study was done on the orders of the minister.