Dear Editor,

In a nation where reckless driving has claimed the lives of countless students over the years, the Government’s rural school bus programme arrives as a breath of fresh air — a compassionate and strategic policy designed to protect our children and restore dignity to our education system.

Yet, in the face of this life-saving initiative, the position of the Opposition spokesman on national security Peter Bunting and the Leader of the Opposition Mark Golding borders on disturbing and disappointing. Their rejection of the programme, couched in partisan rhetoric, feels like a throwback to old, failed policies that lacked innovation, urgency, and vision.

We are not dealing with mere statistics, these are children — future leaders — whose lives have been senselessly cut short due to the reckless behaviour of bus and taxi drivers who, for far too long, have operated with impunity. If there was ever a time for national consensus on a matter of public good, this is it.

The Government’s intervention offers not only safer transportation, but a statement of priority: that our children matter, that rural communities deserve infrastructure, and that no child should risk their life to get an education.

To oppose this is to undermine the nation’s collective responsibility. The tone and posture of the People’s National Party, in this case, feel not only politically vulgar but morally indefensible. The Jamaican people must reject policies steeped in obstructionism and nostalgia, and instead embrace bold ideas that move us forward.

We have a responsibility — not just as citizens, but as moral stewards — to park those who seek to steer Jamaica down a path of no return. It’s time we put children before politics, safety before spin, and vision before vintage narratives.

Bishop Dr Ryan S Reddie

Educator, minister of religion, and community advocate

ryanreddie33@gmail.com