ROSE HALL, St James — Howard Issacs, the newly installed president of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), concedes that Government is incapable of matching the salaries offered by their overseas counterparts to teachers.

He has, however, challenged the Andrew Holness Administration to offer more to teachers so that educators can afford to live comfortably without leaving for more lucrative overseas job offers.

“We recognise that it is not possible for the Government to match the salaries offered in these overseas markets. However, a concerted effort must be made to review the salaries and conditions of work for teachers. As a country are we doing the best for our teachers? “ Isaacs asked as he addressed the JTA’s 55th Annual Conference at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in St James on Monday.

“If we believe in globalisation we cannot prevent a teacher from seeking employment overseas. Despite the challenges, many will remain if they see the opportunities for them and their families to enjoy a better standard of living in Jamaica. Honourable Minister, I have seen colleagues migrate, and within three to five years, they have earned sufficient funds to acquire their house. Some return simply because that was their objective (to own their house). Having built their houses, they returned [and are] ready to serve.”

According to Isaacs, the country has been losing some of its mathematics and science teachers to developed countries “that are bent on enticing our home-grown teachers to prepare their children for the future global economy”.

He said, too, that recruiters from neighbouring nations “are fully aware that our teachers are restless and uncomfortable with the conditions of service they have to deal with.

“Losing our teachers means that the system is being haemorrhaged and the long-term implications will shake the core of the education system, “ the newly installed JTA president pointed out.