Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my deep disappointment and frustration with the People’s National Party’s (PNP) conduct and unnecessary utterances at its press conference and interviews regarding the recently passed Jamaica Teaching Council Bill.

Opposition spokesman on education Senator Damion Crawford, who now has the most to say, was not even appointed by PNP President Mark Golding to sit in any of the 45 consultations/meetings held for this important piece of legislation, yet he is full of criticism now that the Bill has passed.

Similarly, his PNP colleagues had no objections during these 45 sittings that comprised numerous educational stakeholders. Why is it that only after all the real work is done the PNP wants to come forward with suggestions and recommendations?

This Bill is not about political point-scoring, it is for the betterment of teaching and, most importantly, the development and well-being of our nation’s children. The Government undertook broad consultations and created opportunities for feedback. Yet the PNP chose to sit on the sidelines, only now to object when progress is finally being made.

The benefits of the Teaching Council Bill are clear: it establishes crucial guidelines for professional standards among teachers, protects the interests of both educators and students, and sets the stage for a brighter educational future. Teachers are at the heart of our children’s development, and while we acknowledge their value, it is the students who must come first. It is disappointing that the Opposition could not recognise this sooner.

The PNP, by virtue of its inaction, has once again reminded us of the adage “Empty barrels make the most noise.” Instead of proactively participating and shaping this Bill for our nation’s benefit, it has chosen to criticise from the sidelines. It should not have taken 20 years to pass such vital reforms.

Shame on you, PNP, for always standing in the way of progress and, yet again, putting politics before our children’s future and Jamaica’s advancement. It’s time you started paying attention in class. Our children deserve better.

Veronica Smith

Montego Bay