TWO of Jamaica’s top business leaders have voiced support for the intent of the Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC) Bill and have urged the main stakeholders to find common ground and quickly enact the legislation.

Chairman of the Fiscal Commission’s Advisory Committee Keith Duncan has declared his backing of the legislation, which has been in development for more than 20 years — a reality that he views as a concerning indictment on us as a nation.

“We are grateful for the work done by former Minister of Education Fayval Williams in piloting this Bill through the extensive consultation process, and the current Education Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon to continue the work in tabling the Bill in the Senate for approval,” said Duncan.

He argued that it is disappointing that after two decades of discussions, and more than 45 stakeholder consultations, the concerns being raised now were not addressed.

“From what I have read, all stakeholders — the Government, the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), and the Opposition [Peoples’ National Party (PNP)] — welcome the Bill and acknowledge how important this is for the professionalisation of our teachers, which is a key pillar in the transformation of education and, most importantly, improving on the unsatisfactory education outcomes which are being delivered.

“All stakeholders need to be on the right side of history and, for the best interest of our children and our country, commit to working through the points of differences, knowing that there will have to be a give and take on these matters and ensure that this Bill is passed in short order,” said Duncan.

“Our leaders in the legislature need to prioritise education and ensure that political one-upmanship does not trump and delay the passing of this game-changing Bill,” added Duncan.

In the meantime, Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) President Sydney Thwaites has underscored the importance of the legislation for Jamaica’s education sector.

“This legislation represents a critical step towards ensuring that our educators are held to higher standards of professionalism and accountability. While we have many dedicated teachers, the reality is that we face significant challenges regarding the overall quality of education. This Bill will help to formalise our educational structures and enhance the support we provide to our teachers,” said Thwaites.

“Effective education is the cornerstone of a thriving society. For Jamaica to progress we must invest in our teachers and provide them with the tools they need to succeed. The JTC teaching Bill is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss,” Thwaites added.

The long-promised JTC Bill finally made its way through the Senate on April 25 with 38 amendments and bi-partisan support.

The Bill establishes the JTC as a statutory body; regulates entry, conduct, and professional development of teachers; maintains registers of teachers; role of instructors; enforces standards of teacher competence and ethics; and promotes teaching as a respected professional and accountable discipline aligned with Jamaica’s education transformation agenda.

But shortly after the Bill was passed in the Upper House the PNP voiced objection to several of its provisions and urged the Government to consider several changes.

According to the PNP, while it supports regulation of the teaching profession, it is concerned that several sections of the Bill could result in the unfair targeting of Jamaica’s teachers and push more educators to seek jobs overseas.

“This is not a supportive system, which is what a country intends when it implements a teaching council, it is supposed to be developmental, but this seems hostile and punitive,” argued the PNP.

The JTA also voiced objection to the Bill with its president, Dr Mark Smith, describing it as a betrayal of educators.

According to Smith, “The JTA, after two decades of advocacy on this Bill, feels betrayed, as the Bill, in its present form, demonstrates that no meaningful effort was made to address the critical concerns raised by the teachers of Jamaica.”

In his response last week, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness sought to assure educators that the legislation is not an attempt to control teachers.

“It is a national effort to uplift, upgrade, and to use the term, ‘professionalise’ teaching in Jamaica,” said Holness.

He pointed out that the JTC Bill is a recommendation that emerged more than 20 years ago from the 2004 Education Transformation Task Force established by then Prime Minister PJ Patterson.

“So just as the laws govern how doctors, lawyers, engineers, and accountants are certified, regulated and held accountable, so, too, should it be for the teaching profession. We cannot continue to treat teaching as less than a profession,” added Holness as he indicated that the Government is open to further discussions.

THWAITES…while we have many dedicated teachers, the reality is that we face significant challenges regarding the overall quality of education