MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — Minister of Education, Rev Ronald Thwaites, says the Government is looking to partner with alumni associations in Jamaica and the Diaspora to enhance the education process.

Rev Thwaites, who was addressing the fundraising gala of the Mount Alvernia High School alumni association’s Central Florida chapter, held on October 11 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall, St James said the “many hundreds” of alumni groups play a critical role in the education system.

“There are more than 130 alumni associations of Jamaican schools on the eastern seaboard of the United States alone.  Every year (they), along with counterparts in Jamaica, contribute tens of millions of United States and Canadian dollars to the upliftment of their alma maters in Jamaica.  It is amazing that, however long people are away from this country, they never seem to forget where their educational navel strings have been buried,” Rev Thwaites said.

“The Government craves partnership with you all and treats you with respect for your continuing faithfulness,” he added.

Rev Thwaites welcomed plans by the Mount Alvernia alumni association to expand the science programme at the St. James-based institution, through a refurbishing and extension project.

“Your investment is well placed because it will allow many, many more students to gain the benefits that will equip them even more to take their place in the modern world,” Rev Thwaites said.