ST JAMES,, Jamaica (JIS) — Education, Youth and Information Minister, Ruel Reid, has lauded the nation’s teachers for their outstanding contributions and continuous commitment to the profession.

Reod also praised them for their active roles in the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), which this year presented awards to 16 educators in recognition of their “excellent and steadfast service to Jamaica, above and beyond the call of duty”.

The presentations were made during the JTA’s 54th annual conference awards ceremony at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay, St James, yesterday at which the minister was the keynote speaker.

“On behalf of the Government of Jamaica and team at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, I want to extend congratulations to (the) recipients (of) special awards, and in particular (for) your service to the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, an organisation I have been privileged to lead as president,” he stated.

Reid, who encouraged the educators to continue their good work, said Jamaica is a better place as a result of the teachers’ dedication, professionalism, and commitment, which have left indelible marks on the lives of hundreds of people.

“You have set a fine example for others to emulate. You have followed your passion and your calling and remained in a profession where, sometimes, the rewards rarely come in the form of material things. In your work with the JTA, you have committed to a role in advocacy not only for your colleagues, but for improvements in the education system,” the minister said.

Meanwhile, Reid advised that as the mission to phase out the shift system continues, the ministry has been able “to place every child into a full high school this year”, describing this as an “outstanding achievement”.

The three-day JTA conference, which concludes today, is being held under the theme: ‘Promoting the Teaching Profession: A Beacon of Hope and Inspiration to Our Nation’.