Dear Editor,

We as Jamaicans live in a society of contradictions and incongruity. It’s inexplicable that a Government could, on one hand, be spending reportedly in excess of $1.5 billion to have tablets in schools whilst, on the other hand, advising some students to carry water to school for drinking and sanitary purposes.

It may be argued that it’s two different ministries that are responsible for each problem or initiative, but I must say it is all one Government, One Cabinet headed by one prime minister.

It’s along this vein that I find the statement by the minister of education even more troubling. In his appeal to parents on students’ welfare he stated, “It must come before bleaching cream, donkey hair (hair extensions), before phonecards — the children must come first.” Mr Minister, isn’t a Government that buys tablets for some while others are unable to use a bathroom or still use pit latrines doing the same as those “donkey hair” parents? Aren’t we missing the priorities of ensuring the basic is in place for all?

It was not necessary for tablets to be funded by the Government. The average booklist costs over $20,000. Could we not have issued textbooks used as part of the curriculum and ask parents to forego book purchases across the board?

Richard Smith

richardmc1999@yahoo.com