Dear Editor,

I wish to comment on Franklin Johnston’s article that was published in the Friday, January 11, 2019 edition of the Jamaica Observer.

I noted with concern the negative comments written by the author and I reject his views 100 per cent.

The future of the Jamaican education system is on an upward trajectory, and this is occurring because of the implementation of strategic policies and programmes to improve the teaching and learning experiences of the valuable educators and their student beneficiaries under Senator Ruel Reid’s watchful care.

I believe that Senator Ruel Reid is the right man for the job. He is a master teacher, experienced principal and transformational leader who has walked the walk and talked the talk. He has a clear understanding of the issues affecting the system and is working assiduously to fix its ills after so many years of neglect. Look at the full establishment of the ‘no fees policy’, seven-year high schools, Alternative Pathways to Secondary Education (APSE) programme, burgeoning associate degree programmes, improving examination results from primary to pre-tertiary, National School Feeding Programme, National School Leaving Certificate, inter alia. Everybody and their friends’ children have access. No child will be left behind. There are schools and programmes for everyone.

It would be useful, productive, and in the nation’s interest for Franklin Johnston to stop being a “Negative Nancy” and take a ride on the new-look, all-inclusive Ministry of Education train. Johnston’s grand and great-grandchildren will be all the better for it.

Deanna Lewis

Kingston 20

deannalewis876@yahoo.com