CORAL SPRING, Trelawny — Minister of state in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information Rhoda Moy Crawford has drawn striking parallels between the role of a school principal and that of a Member of Parliament (MP), arguing that both are fundamentally about leadership, service, and delivering results.

Speaking at the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information’s Region Five Back-to-School Awards and Gala at Ocean Coral Spring Resort in Trelawny, Crawford reflected on her own journey from the classroom to representational politics, noting that the lessons she learnt as a teacher continue to shape her approach to public service.

Crawford, who taught briefly before being elected MP for Manchester Central, said the transition from education to politics was a natural one because both professions require leaders to guide people from one stage of development to another.

“I often tell people who ask what’s the similarity between when you were a teacher and now that you’re a Member of Parliament — it’s the same.

“When you’re a teacher, at the start of the year you’re assigned a class and your task is to move your students from point A to point B. Throughout the year there are various measuring sticks used to determine your success. As a Member of Parliament, it’s the same thing. You win an election, you have constituents with different needs and desires, and five years later your success is judged by how well you performed,” she added.

She noted that the comparison also extends to ministers of Government.

“Anyone who asks me about leadership, I always draw the parallel between a teacher, a principal, a Member of Parliament, and a minister of Government,” Crawford said.

The state minister used the occasion to salute the principals across Region Five, describing the position as one of the most demanding in Jamaican society, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

Parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Marlon Morgan, bringing greetings at the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information’s Region Five Back-to-School Awards and Gala at Ocean Coral Spring Resort in Trelawny last Wednesday night.

“You are expected to be administrators, counsellors, disciplinarians, and parents all at once,” she said.

She also praised school leaders for their resilience following the hurricane, recalling that while many Jamaicans sought safety, principals were checking on students and staff, assessing damage to schools and working tirelessly to restore normality.

“You showed us that when storms come, our leaders do not retreat; they stand firm. Because of your courage, our schools remained beacons of stability when our families needed them most,” she told the gathering.

Crawford also singled out regional director of Regional Education Services Susan Nelson Smith for special commendation, describing her as the “glue” that holds Region Five together.

She praised Nelson Smith’s professionalism, responsiveness, and unwavering commitment to the education sector, recalling that even before becoming minister she had experienced the regional director’s disciplined leadership in matters such as school board appointments.

“Mrs Susan Nelson Smith, your leadership has been the backbone of this region’s recovery and progress. You have a very dedicated team, and no matter how short the notice, whenever the ministry needs support in the region, everything is always in place,” Crawford said.

Also addressing the gala, parliamentary secretary in the education ministry, Senator Marlon Morgan echoed the praise for Nelson Smith, describing Region Five as being led by a “champion regional director”.

Regional director in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Region Five, Susan Nelson Smith, speaking at the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information’s Region Five Back-to-School Awards and Gala at Ocean Coral Spring Resort in Trelawny, last Wednesday night.

Morgan reminded principals that while individual awards recognise outstanding leadership, success in education is always a collective effort involving teachers, students, parents, support staff, and school boards.

“No one school leader could have made the results at a school possible by themselves; you owe it to your team,” he said.

He also encouraged principals to collaborate more closely by sharing successful initiatives and proven methods across schools.

“We do not have to reinvent the wheel each time. If excellence exists at one school, let us ensure it is replicated at another. Share your best practices, collaborate with each other, and help to raise standards across the region,” Morgan said.

For her part, Regional Director Nelson Smith urged principals to set aside the demands of school leadership for the evening and simply enjoy the celebration organised in their honour.

“We have curated an unforgettable evening to pamper, entertain, and celebrate you,” she said.

Nelson Smith noted that the gala featured performances by regional officers and principals, culminating with entertainment from international recording artiste Tessanne Chin.

“Tonight is your night to relax, laugh, dine, and bask in the appreciation of a grateful region and country. You have carried the torch of excellence through every storm, and tonight we celebrate how brightly you shine,” she said.