KINGSTON, Jamaica – Opposition Spokesperson on Education and Youth Senator Kamina Johnson Smith is chastising the Minister of Education for classifying some children as “leggo beasts” and pitting himself and the JTA against parents.  

She demanded in a release Sunday that he withdraw the comment.

According to Johnson Smith: “Labelling troubled children “Leggo Beasts”, does not contribute to the need for a collaborative and transformational approach to the building of a good education system.  It speaks to a further condemnation of children with anti-social behaviour from difficult circumstances, to being ostracized, and adds to the cycle of negative behaviour and experiences they suffer. “

Smith added that: “Parents who have troubled children need help and the Minister of Education must recognize the role of the school system, his Ministry and himself as key tools in the re-socialisation of troubled children. Classifying children as “Leggo Beasts” has no place in the conversation about the challenges facing the system and its solutions. This disrespectful and divisive epitaph must be withdrawn”.

The Opposition Senator says she is also concerned about the minister’s handling of the issues of high auxiliary fees and punitive action being taken by some school on parents who are unable to pay.  

“We have seen examples where one thing is said by the minister but schools function in a totally different way, with parents and students caught in the middle. Parents who cannot afford to pay must not be turned away but there is evidence of registration and other packages being withheld, and even late fees being charged, preventing enrolment and increasing the burden on already stressed parents.  I am asking the Minister to take note of the current level of economic stress on parents, and to take such actions as necessary to see that his words are reflected on the ground, with children always at the centre,” Johnson Smith expressed.