KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesman on Education, Senator Damion Crawford, has moved to clarify recent statements regarding a proposed extended school day initiative.

Addressing journalists during an education policy briefing on Thursday, Crawford described the country’s education sector as being in a “crisis” and proposed that extending the school days by two hours, widening the role of form teachers, and increasing access to the school lunch programme, among other measures, could help in fixing it.

“Through remuneration — not for free, teachers — we will seek to extend the school day from 2:30 [pm] to 4:30 [pm] because many of our children are going home without adult supervision at 2:30,” the People’s National Party (PNP) representative had said.

Crawford’s statement was captured in a Jamaica Observer article published Friday and has since been the subject of criticism with several concerned citizens making the point that teachers are already underpaid.

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In a statement Friday afternoon, Crawford noted that the article accurately captured his comments but said misinformation was circulating online with a key point being misrepresented.

“Participation in the extended school day was not for free but was indeed to be compensated,” Crawford clarified, adding “This directly refutes claims that teachers would be asked to work additional hours without pay.”

Senator Crawford stressed that, as is the case in other countries, such programmes are voluntary. He said teachers apply to participate and are compensated based on the needs and structure of the initiative in their area.

The PNP spokesman explained that the idea stemmed from a desire to provide safer, more structured after-school options for students, particularly in communities where children are often left unsupervised due to parents’ work schedules. The suggested model includes a mix of academic support, extracurricular engagement and recreational activities throughout the week.

Senator Crawford also acknowledged the scepticism expressed by some educators and attributed it to the “years of neglect they have endured under the current administration”.

“I have always stood in defence of Jamaica’s teachers. I would never support a policy that is not in the best interest of both teachers and students,” he said.

The proposal, he noted, reflects ongoing thinking around how best to improve student outcomes, support families and offer new opportunities for teachers, especially those seeking to earn more while serving their communities.