ST JAMES, Jamaica (JIS) — Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator Ruel Reid, says the Government will be looking at housing solutions for teachers with special mortgages, as a means of curbing migration and to keep quality educators inside the classrooms.

Reid, who was speaking at the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) 52nd Annual Conference on August 24 at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa, St James, added that the Ministry will also collaborate with the JTA Credit Union and other lending agencies to facilitate car loans for teachers.

“I think I speak for a lot of people when I say it is only fitting that all our teachers have the opportunity to own a piece of this little rock. We also want to ensure they have easier access to car loans. These are the kinds of incentives we believe can help to stem the flow of teacher migration and also to attract more quality persons to the teaching profession,” he said.

The minister emphasised that teachers continue to be the bedrock of the society, giving yeoman service under sometimes difficult and trying circumstances.

“This nation owes you a debt of gratitude for moulding and shaping the lives of our young people, sometimes in a less than ideal environment,” Reid told the teachers.

The minister said that as a former past president, he remains accessible and committed to working with the organisation in its quest to advance the welfare of the nation’s teachers.

“We are indeed family and aspiring towards the same goals of advancing the education of our children and the welfare and professional development of our educators,” Reid said.

“What you have been doing is in the interest of national development and in the best interest of the nation’s children,” he added.

Howard Isaacs is the new president of the JTA, replacing Norman Allen. President Elect is Georgia Waugh Richards, while Byron Farquharson remains Secretary General.