Education is important in advancing the reparatory justice movement, and young people must be equipped with a deeper understanding of their history and identity to help build a more just future, says Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon.

She was addressing a high-level reparatory justice dialogue at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Regional Headquarters on Monday (August 3), held in honour of the State Visit of President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama.

Speaking on behalf of Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, and the Government and people of Jamaica, Senator Morris Dixon welcomed President Mahama and his delegation, describing the visit as a powerful reminder of the enduring historical, cultural and ancestral ties between Jamaica and Ghana.

She noted that the philosophies of Jamaica’s first National Hero, the Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey, profoundly influenced Ghana’s founding President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, whose vision for African freedom and unity remains symbolised by the Black Star on Ghana’s national flag.

The Minister said Jamaica and Ghana have shared a long-standing partnership rooted in Pan-Africanism and the pursuit of human rights, recalling that both countries worked together to advance the United Nations’ human rights agenda following their respective independence movements.

She stressed that the relationship extends far beyond diplomacy, describing it as one built on “blood, memory, identity and common purpose”, and encouraged younger generations to understand the depth of that shared history.

Addressing the issue of reparatory justice, Senator Morris Dixon said the conversation goes beyond acknowledging historical injustices and focuses on addressing the enduring effects of slavery and colonialism on present-day inequalities.

She said the Government views reparations as encompassing the restoration of dignity, community development, improved education and healthcare, cultural renewal, economic growth, technological advancement and stronger institutional capacity.

She also highlighted CARICOM’s reparations framework and Jamaica’s continued collaboration with Ghana in advancing the international reparatory justice agenda. The Minister pointed to several recent milestones, including Jamaica’s support for the Ghana-led United Nations resolution declaring the transatlantic trafficking and racialised chattel enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity.

She also referenced Jamaica’s participation in the Accra Next Steps Conference on Reparatory Justice, where both countries reaffirmed their commitment to the cause, and noted that amendments agreed under the Ghana-Jamaica Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation now explicitly include restitution, repatriation of cultural property and reparatory justice among the two nations’ shared priorities.

Senator Morris Dixon maintained that education must remain central to these efforts, emphasising that “we cannot repair what we do not understand”.

The Minister said schools, universities and cultural institutions have a responsibility to ensure young people develop a stronger sense of identity by learning about the history, resilience and achievements of African and Caribbean peoples.

“So many of them feel unmoored. They feel like they’re just drifting. And it’s because they don’t have a deep sense of their identity, and it’s not deeply rooted,” she said, adding that her ministry would intensify efforts to strengthen this area within the education system.

She also commended the UWI, particularly Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, for helping to move reparatory justice “from the margins of public discussion to the centre of regional diplomacy”.

Senator Morris Dixon said President Mahama’s participation reflected the high level of political commitment being given to reparatory justice in both countries.

Minister Morris Dixon noted that Jamaica is preparing to file its petition before His Majesty King Charles III and expressed gratitude for Ghana’s solidarity throughout the process. The Minister said she hoped the dialogue would further strengthen relations between Jamaica and Ghana, deepen ties between Africa and the Caribbean, and advance the global pursuit of meaningful repair, human dignity and justice.

The Government is reviewing its funding arrangement for tertiary institutions, with the aim of developing a modern performance-based framework focused on student achievement while meeting industry needs.

Permanent Secretary in the Education, Skills, Youth and Information Ministry, Dr. Kasan Troupe, in her address at the inaugural Higher Education Leadership Conference at the Princess Hotels & Resorts in Hanover recently, noted that the current funding model for higher education served Jamaica during earlier stages of development, however, today’s realities demand a more modern approach.

She said consultations are now underway to guide a new funding framework that would place greater emphasis on student success, quality, and institutional performance, as well as labour-market responsiveness, research and innovation, and stronger financial sustainability.

“This model that we are looking at as we are transforming is not about reducing investment. Instead, it is about ensuring that public investment produces the greatest possible return for students, taxpayers and the Jamaican economy,” she pointed out.

“Public funding is finite, and as such, measurable results are of utmost importance,” she said, noting that the Government’s approach envisions a partnership “where all of government provides the support, while institutions enjoy flexibility, greater innovation and greater accountability.”

Dr. Troupe said that tertiary education is one of Jamaica’s major investment pillars, citing its role in supporting economic growth, social mobility and national resilience.

She said that the Government’s vision for the sector is one that is financially sustainable and academically and technically relevant, while being technologically competitive and firmly tied to national development goals.

Dr. Troupe urged the tertiary leaders in attendance to take ownership of the country’s education transformation, noting that simply reacting to change can no longer suffice.

She noted that higher education worldwide is facing a “profound period of shift” and administrators must respond proactively.

Even wealthier countries are grappling with adjustments to their education systems, she pointed out.

“The question before us, therefore, is not whether education must transform, but whether we will lead that transformation or simply respond to it. We cannot afford to observe from the sidelines,” she said.

The Higher Education Leadership Conference, under the theme: ‘Transformational Leadership for Institutional Excellence and Sector Renewal,’ brought together more than 150 tertiary-level administrators from across the island, including principals, deans, registrars, and human resources and finance professionals.

The session facilitated discussion aimed at strengthening leadership capacity and promote transformational and strategic management, while improving accountability, performance and institutional effectiveness.

It also aimed to better align tertiary institutions with national development priorities and emerging labour-market needs, alongside efforts to build institutional culture and manage change.

Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Marlon Morgan, says the Government is strengthening its investment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, while expanding support for students with special educational needs.

Senator Morgan informed that the Ministry is constructing new STEM academies and increasing the number of professionals available to support students with learning challenges.

Addressing the Ministry’s Region One Back to School Conference at the Grand Palladium Resort in Hanover on July 21, he said the Ministry recently signed a contract for the first of six STEM academies.

He also disclosed that improvements are being made to science laboratories across the island.

“We are seeking to better outfit our science laboratories because the truth is, if we at the national level are placing emphasis on STEM education… we have to have all the things and enabling facilities that will provide our students with practical and enriching experiences,” Senator Morgan explained.

He also highlighted measures to strengthen support for students with special educational needs.

“As a ministry, we are building capacity…[to] better serve our special needs population… we have more diagnostic centres that are coming on stream… we want to have a diagnostic facility in each region,” he said.

Senator Morgan further noted that scholarships are being provided to increase the number of clinicians, therapists and other specialists serving the education system.

The Region One Back-to-School Conference was held under the theme ‘Shaping the Future of Education through Resilience and Innovation’.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, is reporting progress in the rehabilitation of several schools that were significantly impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

The positive outlook follows a tour of institutions in Westmoreland where work is under way to repair and rebuild classrooms.

She noted that while some projects are moving more quickly than others, she is encouraged by the progress.

“I went to Unity Primary School, Petersfield Primary and Infant, and Coke’s View Primary and Infant. I saw some encouraging work being done,” Dr. Morris Dixon said during Wednesday’s (July 29) post-Cabinet press conference at Jamaica House.

She noted that the Unity Primary School project is $990 million.

“That school is completely being rebuilt and they’re adding new classrooms. Everything will not be ready for September, but we’re putting in place as much as possible,” she stated.

At Petersfield Primary and Infant, $302 million is being spent to undertake the necessary repairs and erect new classrooms. The institution lost an entire classroom block during the hurricane.

“I was there in May and the school was in a really bad shape. I was able to see significant progress from May. In another two weeks, they will have the roof up; most of the existing structure… will be ready,” Senator Morris Dixon said.

Turning to Coke’s View Primary and Infant, where $700 million has been budgeted for repairs, Senator Morris Dixon said that the Ministry will be intervening to speed up the pace of works.

“That one isn’t moving as quickly as the others, and there’s a lot more work to be done,” she pointed out.

Senator Morris Dixon said that the Ministry will continue to monitor the work being done and will soon publish a list of schools being repaired, the work that is being undertaken at those schools, the value of the contracts, who the contractor is, and the level of progress being made on each project.

“We have to be transparent in terms of what’s happening in our schools, and we will be transparent throughout the process… and as I said, because so many of the schools need complete rebuild, they’re not all going to be finished for September. Work will be continuing throughout the period,” she stated.

The Education Minister noted that most of the principals at impacted schools already have contingency plans that will be implemented until the repairs are complete.

“They’re happy because they know they’re going to get a better school at the end of it. It may mean additional time but they’re going to get a better facility, and that’s really what matters,” she said.

A total of 101 students from Clarendon and Manchester have benefited from educational assistance valued at approximately $23 million from Jamalco.

The beneficiaries, from all levels of the education system, are from communities

surrounding the Jamalco mining operations in the two parishes.

The assistance forms part of the company’s long-standing commitment to investing in education and supporting the development of young people within its operating communities.

Another 350 students will receive back-to-school vouchers from Jamalco in August.

Speaking at Jamalco’s annual Education Assistance Awards Ceremony on Wednesday (July 29) at the Wembley Centre of Excellence in Clarendon, State Minister for Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Hon. Rhoda Moy Crawford, commended the company for its support to education.

“As we gather here, we’re doing more than just gifting awards. We are celebrating one of the most vital investments a nation can make – the investment in the education of our people. At the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, we often speak about the necessity of partnership, but Jamalco does not speak about it; Jamalco lives it,” she said.

Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Relations, Jamalco, Donna Marie Brooks, noted that the annual Education Assistance Awards Ceremony is more than a routine presentation of scholarships and grants.

“It is a celebration of promise, perseverance and possibility. It stands as a powerful reminder about what happens when a corporate entity chooses to invest, not only in production and operations but in people, families and [the] long-term future of our nation,” she said.

“This is my 16th scholarship awards ceremony and each time I look at the faces… I feel so happy that Jamalco can do what it is doing. I feel a profound sense of pride in the tangible difference that Jamalco is creating across our operating communities and in the wider Clarendon and Manchester areas,” she added.

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, continues to implement measures to re-engage students in western Jamaica who have not returned to school following Hurricane Melissa.

“There are many interventions we’re doing. We have police even going out with us into the communities to remind parents that it is important for their children to come to school,” said Portfolio Minister, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon.

She was responding to a question during Wednesday’s (June 29) Post Cabinet press conference at Jamaica House.

Dr. Morris Dixon acknowledged that some older students in the disaster areas, particularly young men, have not been attending school.

“They are, as we know, trying to help their families to rebuild, and so that’s been prioritised,” she said.

Senator Morris Dixon informed that during her tour of school-rebuilding projects in Westmoreland earlier this week, she spent some time reminding community members about the importance of ensuring that children attend school.

“Our teenagers need to be in school and a lot of them did not return. We’ve been able to get many back because of our interventions…going into the communities and actually speaking to the community members and getting neighbours to convince their next-door neighbour to send the children to school. So, we’re doing a lot of work there,” she pointed out.

Dr. Morris Dixon noted that the Ministry is also implementing a new Education Management Information System to track attendance more easily and intervene quickly where necessary.

State Minister for Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Hon. Rhoda Moy Crawford, has commended school leaders in Manchester and St. Elizabeth for their hard work in getting their schools back in operation in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

Addressing a function to honour region five principals at the Ocean Coral Spring Hotel in Trelawny on July 29, she hailed them as heroes in Jamaica’s post-disaster education recovery.

She said that the successful resumption of classes in the parishes was due to the yeoman service and personal sacrifices made by the school administrators under deeply challenging circumstances.

She said that the principals refused to let the widespread destruction caused by the Category 5 storm derail the academic year, noting that they showed exceptional resilience.

“We saw the true measure of your leadership,” Ms. Crawford told them.

“While many were looking for safety, you were looking for your students,” she pointed out, noting that they navigated ruined infrastructure and personal hardships to locate displaced families, offer critical emotional reassurance to traumatised teachers and students, and meticulously coordinated the safe reopening of school facilities.

Ms. Crawford pointed out that many of the school administrators put their own domestic crises aside to prioritise the collective well-being of their school communities.

“You demonstrated a level of commitment that cannot be quantified by a basic job description,” she said.

“Your dedication in the face of absolute adversity has safeguarded the future of our nation’s youth,” she added.

The Ministry continues to prioritise physical infrastructure restoration alongside academic continuity.

Comprehensive rehabilitation projects are currently underway across the island to repair storm-damaged institutions.

Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Marlon Morgan, is calling on principals across Region Five to support the Rural School Bus System, by ensuring that eligible students receive and use the transportation cards issued under the initiative.

Addressing the Ministry’s annual Region Five Principals’ Conference at the Ocean Coral Spring Resort in Trelawny on July 28, Senator Morgan said the programme addresses a longstanding transportation challenge for students living in rural communities and should be supported as the Government seeks to expand its reach.

“I want to encourage you to support the rural school bus system, ensure that the cards that would have been issued…, by the service provider, Elhydro are in fact passed on to the students at your respective schools who have been identified for participation in this particular initiative. [This is] so that they can access and have the cards topped up and the requisite payment made in exchange for the provision of the service,” he said.

Senator Morgan noted that the initiative provides a safer and more dependable transportation option for rural students.

He noted further that the Government intends to build on the programme’s initial success by increasing both the fleet and the number of students served.

“We have made a start, but we want to take the rural school bus system to even higher heights in relation to the increased number of buses and, consequently, an increase in the number of learners, students being served by the facility,” Senator Morgan said.

Meanwhile, Regional Director for Region Five, Susan Nelson Smith, said the region remains focused on restoring schools affected by Hurricane Melissa ahead of the start of the new academic year.

“As a regional team, I can say to you that we are working to ensure that all our schools are repaired and get the attention. Some may not be ready in time in terms of the finality of the work for the start of the academic year, and I would have shared that information with my principals. Some works have been completed, but we are working with you,” Mrs. Nelson Smith said.

She encouraged principals to continue building on the resilience demonstrated over the past year, while embracing new approaches to improving educational outcomes.

“Resilience got us through the storm, but innovation will take us to the championship trophy,” Mrs. Nelson Smith said.

She also reminded school leaders that effective leadership should be driven by evidence and focused on improving teaching and learning.

“Your decisions must be informed by data, and I encourage you to always deploy your strongest pedagogical talent where it matters most, in the classroom,” she stated.

Zurie Cousins and Neeraj Sahukar of Creative Kids Learning Academy in Kingston have emerged as the top girl and boy, respectively, for the 2026 sitting of the Primary Exit Profile (PEP).

The outstanding pair will begin the next chapter of their academic journey at Campion College this September.

Both students have been awarded the Guardian Group Foundation Scholarship, which will support them throughout their five-year tenure at high school.

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information has announced that 32 Government scholarships have been awarded to top-performing students across Jamaica.

The recipients of named Government scholarships are Shomari Harrison of Harbour View Primary, who was awarded the Marcus Garvey Scholarship; Jasonnia Beadle of Park Mountain Primary and Infant and Nathaniel Brooks of Southborough Primary, who received the JAG Smith Scholarship and the George William Gordon Scholarship, respectively; and Nathanael Stewart of White Horses Primary and Infant School, who earned the Paul Bogle Scholarship.

Government of Jamaica scholarships were also granted to 14 boys and 14 girls.

The boys awarded include Jacob Salazar, Yori Vanriel, Darien Hudlin, Kyle Stewart, Dejaun Williams, Jayden Choi, Kristian Campbell, Rafi Duncan, Rhys James, James Whittingham, Jaxon James, Najhaun Morris, Orlando Zinck, and Gabriel Clark.

The girls are Xia Nunes, Christina Magnus, Ariana-Marie Daniels, Sujanne Smith, Akeela Waisome, Anniya McDonald, Ashli-Rai Goodall, Briona Hall, Avery Blagrove, Katalia Smikle, Nia Peddie, Suri Edwards, Skyler Lafayette and Jahneal Kennedy.

Twelve of the 14 boys earned placements at Campion College, while one will be attending Wolmer’s Boys School and another will matriculate to Herbert Morrison Technical High School.

Eight of the girls were placed at Campion College, two at Immaculate Conception High, two at Glenmuir High, and one each at Manchester High and deCarteret College.

Other outstanding PEP students have also been awarded scholarships by several organisations, including the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, Massy Gas Products Limited, Petrojam, Seprod, Jamaica Energy Partners, LASCO, Musson and Alva B. Johnson.

School administrators are being reminded to use only the approved standardised student medical report form for all new registrations and support measures aimed at safeguarding the health and well-being of children.

The directive comes from the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information (MOESYI) in its latest bulletin, which says the standardised form, developed jointly with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) in 2020, remains the only approved document for the medical assessment of students entering schools.

The Ministry noted that some institutions have altered the clinical requirements of the form, a practice that is not permitted, and is urging schools to refrain from altering, removing or adding any clinical requirements.

While institutions may add their official logo or insignia to the document, the Ministry emphasised that its content and prescribed medical requirements must remain unchanged.

According to the Ministry, consistent use of the approved document is essential for maintaining reliable student health records and supporting national health surveillance and student welfare initiatives.

Additionally, school administrators are being called on to strengthen efforts to protect Jamaica’s immunisation programme by ensuring that students’ vaccination records are current.

The Ministry pointed out that Jamaica’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) has successfully eliminated diseases such as polio, measles and rubella locally. However, it warns that the country’s progress remains vulnerable because of the growing threat of imported vaccine-preventable diseases and gaps in vaccination coverage.

Schools are, therefore, encouraged to achieve and maintain at least 95 per cent vaccination coverage to support herd immunity.

Administrators are also being asked to verify that students’ immunisation records are up to date in keeping with the National Schedule, encourage parents and guardians to have children receive all recommended vaccines, and work closely with Parish Health Departments to facilitate school-based vaccination activities and other public health interventions.

The Ministry is also reminding school administrators to continue enforcing all applicable health clearance requirements for student entry and attendance in accordance with standardised guidelines and public health regulations.