KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Government’s announcement to remove auxiliary fees in high schools effective at the start of the next academic year has received mixed reactions from the public.

According to a release from the Ministry of Education, the current contribution of $11,500 paid by the ministry for each student will be increased to $19,000.

Read: Education ministry to remove auxiliary fees in September

However, some readers on Facebook are apprehensive, saying they fear the spinoff effects that the move will have. 

“Be careful, school suffering already, see what happened to the hospitals?” one reader opined. A further comment expressed similar views, stating “Lol mash up our education and health system some more will you. Free this.. free free”.

A third reader commented that “Schools are already suffering with more fees removed things will get worse. We can’t expect things to be free in this country….the money is just not there! Ask school admins what’s happening if unnu think a lie…”

It was the view of another that “Extra money will be needed to fund these things .. . and budget cut so that’s none of my business”.

“Auxiliary fees are what help the schools in additional supplies that’s needed, I do not agree …the problem is the mind frame of Jamaican people. Love hand outs – freeness,” someone else expressed.

Then, there were readers who had mixed views about the government’s announcement.

“I applaud the Government for once again removing auxiliaries fee, but how do you get the schools to comply , so many students has face embarrassment from school official to include withholding much needed resources” was one such comment.

An additional comment was:  “Really hope this plan was properly thought out as some of the schools now can barely survive without parents contributing to several projects to raise funds in order to help the school”.

Someone else expressed doubt, “I’m not sure if this is really a good or bad thing for us, is it the same as saying free education? Reason this free thing never always work out. Look at all the mishaps since the free health came in,” the commenter said. 

This was followed by: “I know a lot of parents will benefit from this. I expect more taxes because everything can’t be free, there must be a way to pay for it. I hope no one will complain when they increase GCT…just saying!!”

Despite the doubts and statements opposing the move, there were still others who welcomed the move and praised the government.

“The prosperity government at work… Yes mi Prosperity team good job…” one reader said.

Another reader thought that “The JLP is always the better party to govern Jamaica and Jamaicans are coming to their senses!” But, in response, one commenter asked if “freeing things makes them better?”

Attacking statements made by Opposition spokesman on Finance Dr Peter Phillips, another posted: “Mr Phillips came blazing the other day, auxiliary fee can’t be free, hence the JLP administration will fail a next promise, well right in your face, starting this September”.

Knocking the proposal to remove auxiliary fees, Phillips in February said that if implemented this would result in loss of income to schools and an increased cost to Government of between $3.1 billion to $5 billion.

Meanwhile, one reader thought that people are hard to please. “Me say dem ppl yah nuh easy eeh nuh it’s damn if you do and damn if you don’t… If the headline had said “auxiliary fee to be increase” it would be riot…” the reader commented.