Students and staff at Richmond Primary and Infant School in St. Mary now have safe, reliable transportation – a new 29-seater Toyota Coaster bus, gifted by the Government and People of Japan.

The vehicle, valued US$72,489, was handed over to the institution on Tuesday (April 29). It was facilitated through a partnership between the National Education Trust (NET) and the Embassy of Japan in Jamaica.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, in her address, hailed Japan as a true friend of Jamaica while expressing gratitude for the donation.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Jamaica, I extend our sincere appreciation to the Embassy and the people of Japan for their continued support and generosity. This is beautifully demonstrated through the donation of this 29-seater Coaster bus to the Richmond Primary and Infant School. We are no stranger to the generosity of our friends from Japan. Japan is truly a friend of Jamaica,” she added.

Senator Morris Dixon said the vehicle will contribute to the Government’s formal rural school bus system, which is slated to begin in the 2025/26 academic year.

“As a Government, we recognise that rural transportation challenges have, for far too long, limited the full potential of our students. Access to education should never depend on where you happen to be born,” she noted.

The Minister said the rural school bus system will create a “structured, sustainable and safe transportation network” for students across rural Jamaica.

She pointed out that phase-one implementation of the system is already under way, with the expansion of Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) service to Clarendon, St. Thomas, St. Mary and St. Catherine.

In phase two, 100 fully refurbished buses will be deployed across various parishes, with 60 beginning service in September this year and 40 in January 2026.

Meanwhile Senator Morris Dixon urged the staff and students of Richmond Primary “to make the most of this new gift… [and] please take good care of this bus”.

“This is your bus; own it, cherish it, use it well. Let it be a vessel for dreams, opportunities and success,” she said.

For his part, Japan’s Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Yasuhiro Atsumi, pointed out that 80 per cent of the almost 200 students attending the institution experience “many challenges and obstacles” in accessing reliable transportation to and from school.

“I firmly believe that having an improved transportation system is an absolute requisite, given the importance of ensuring that all students can go to and from school by a safer mode of transit. The Government of Japan is pleased to support this project here at Richmond, St. Mary,” the Ambassador said.

NET’s Executive Director, Latoya Harris-Ghartey, in her remarks, stated that “this bus represents access to school but it represents, also, us providing that supporting environment through safety and stability”.

“We often forget some of the variables in education. We hear a child must be fed. But a child must arrive safely to school, and this is what this bus is providing,” she added.

An elated Principal, Dwight Sanderson, said Tuesday’s presentation, “marks, not only the arrival of a valuable asset to our school community but also a meaningful symbol of international friendship and cooperation”.

“This donation will have a lasting impact on the lives of our students by providing safer, more reliable access to education,” he declared.

The Education Transformation Oversight Committee (ETOC) is reporting 23 per cent progress in the implementation of the 365 recommendations contained in the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission (JETC) report.

This represents a one per cent increase over the last reporting period.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Dr. Kasan Troupe, advised that work has begun on 130 recommendations, 15 of which have been completed.

“Fifty new recommendations will be added in this new financial year. We have
reviewed those already and that will take us to 171 of the recommendations being actively pursued,” she shared.

Dr. Troupe was addressing Friday’s (April 25) ETOC Press Conference, held at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Regional Headquarters in St. Andrew.

She further noted that the Mona School of Business’ comprehensive review of the Ministry is 40 per cent complete.

The entity was contracted to provide ETOC with recommendations that will lead to a modernised Ministry that is fit for purpose.

“They have done the desk review already and they have done a series of interviews across the Ministry and across other ministries to look at other structures –governance structures and how they work and what is the best fit – and they have submitted the second milestone to propose a new structure for the Ministry. That is going to be reviewed by our Minister and our technical team to provide feedback to the Mona School of Business, so they can continue with the consultancy,” Dr. Troupe explained.

The Permanent Secretary pointed out that the process is expected to conclude in November.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, says the passage of the Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC) Act, 2025, will strengthen efforts to advance the quality and accountability framework within the country’s teaching profession.

The legislation, which is intended to professionalise, regulate and elevate the profession, was passed in the Senate on Friday, April 25, with 38 amendments.

Its objectives are to establish the JTC as a statutory body; regulate the entry, conduct and professional development of teachers; maintain registers of teachers, role of instructors and enforce standards of teacher competence and ethics; and promote teaching as a respected professional and accountable discipline, aligned with Jamaica’s education transformation agenda.

“The JTC is already doing its work, thanks to [Chief Executive Officer] Dr. Winsome Gordon. So the good thing is, when we pass this Bill… we are not going to have to wait for years to build the infrastructure. So despite the delays in passing the JTC [Act], 21 years, the Council continues to advance the quality and accountability of the teaching profession, advocating and preparing for Jamaica’s first fully licensed teaching framework,” Senator Morris Dixon said while closing the debate on the legislation.

She indicated that at every stage, all stakeholders had opportunities to contribute to the evolution of the JTC Bill.

“For each change of Administration, the respective Cabinets and civil society have endorsed the continued pursuit of this Bill. The Jamaica Teaching Council Bill, 2025, is evidence of the determination of the Government of Jamaica to enable and support good-quality education for all our learners. Let us support our excellent teachers by giving them the standards they deserve,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, Senator Morris Dixon, in highlighting some of the work being done by the JTC, noted that training and professional development access is expanding rapidly.

“In 2024/25, 11,549 teachers participated in structured training, both online and in person. So, continuous professional development that’s spoken about in [the legislation], it’s already happening,” she informed.

The Minister further said 1,500 mentors and more than 1,000 trainers of trainers have been supported, while pointing out that “teachers have year-round access to development resources via the JTC”.

“So [they can] just go on [their] phone or laptop… and get their continuous professional development. Additionally, a special register was introduced for early-childhood practitioners, certified at HEART/NSTA level three,” she told the Senate.

Consequently, Dr. Morris Dixon said Opposition Senator, Peter Bunting’s proposal to make the registry public would be endorsed, adding, “I propose accepting his recommendation”.

“Similarly, to the information regarding lawyers, doctors, certified land surveyors, etc, we would include the name, the area of expertise, the location, the licence number and/or the expiration date. So we have agreed with him on that; but that really is an operational detail when we get implemented,” she stated.

Other Senators contributing to the debate were government members – Dr. Saphire Longmore, Kavan Gayle, Marlon Morgan, and Sherine Golding Campbell, and Opposition counterpart, Damion Crawford.

Grades one to three students at the primary level will soon begin to benefit from at least two hours of timetabled reading each week.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, said literacy and numeracy are foundational and she is pleased that reading will now be a timetabled subject.

“That’s a big thing. Many people wouldn’t even realise that it wasn’t timetabled, but now it is timetabled, because we are serious about stemming this literacy challenge that we have in our schools,” Dr. Morris Dixon said.

She was addressing Friday’s (April 25) Education Transformation Oversight Committee (ETOC) Press Conference, held at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Regional Headquarters in St. Andrew.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary, Dr. Kasan Troupe, underscored that it is critical to institute the teaching of reading.

“We understand the issue of literacy in our country and rather than relying on an integrated approach, in this new framework reading will be taught. Every single class will be timetabled for reading, and that will mean that all our teachers will be teaching reading,” Dr. Troupe said.

She advised that the Ministry will be rolling out a massive training programme during this quarter to build the skill sets of teachers and to retool them to deliver the reading curriculum.

“We’ll be focusing on literacy, reading for fluency, reading for vocabulary building and we will be looking at reading for enjoyment and word recognition,” Dr. Troupe added.

In the meantime, Dr. Morris Dixon reiterated that the leadership of the Ministry is seized of the problems in the education system and is committed to fixing them.

“Every single child in Jamaica matters and every single child deserves quality education like they have in Denmark, like they have in Singapore, and that’s what our commitment is to the children of Jamaica,” she said.

The Early Childhood Development Cross-Sectional Oversight Body has been reestablished with 13 members and chaired by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Dr. Kasan Troupe.

The body is charged with coordinating and monitoring the implementation of strategies to improve services to young children.

Education Transformation Oversight Committee (ETOC) Chairman, Dr. Adrian Stokes, advised that the oversight body had its first meeting on February 27.

He was speaking at Friday’s (April 25) ETOC Press Conference held at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Regional Headquarters in St. Andrew.

Dr. Troupe, in her remarks, informed that nine basic schools were modernised during the 2024/25 financial year.

“Within this financial year (2025/26), we’ll be taking on another 19 basic schools…to make sure that we continue to build out fully funded spaces in our early childhood institutions,” she said.

Government is currently undertaking the expansion and upgrade of laboratory facilities in technical high schools across Jamaica.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, said this move will address years of neglect in technical education.

She was addressing day one (April 22) of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) Education Conference 2025, being held at Ocean Coral Spring in Trelawny.

“What we’ve done is to, through HEART/NSTA Trust, develop labs for our 14 schools. In fact, we are in the process of finalising what lab each school will have,” Dr. Morris Dixon outlined.

She added that these labs will be equipped with the necessary technology and tools to prepare “our youth” for a technologically driven future.

In the meantime, Dr. Morris Dixon indicated that the Ministry is partnering with Starlink to utilise satellite technology to bring high-speed internet to schools across the country, particularly those in the rural areas.

“The goal is to be able to have Wi-Fi across the entire school campus in Jamaica, and so, that’s what we’re working on during this year. So, several schools have gotten it, and more will be getting it throughout the course of this year,” the Minister pointed out.

Moreover, the Government is investing heavily in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education, the Minister said.

Senator Morris Dixon noted that six new STEM schools will be constructed and outfitted with cutting-edge laboratories and equipment, adding that these institutions will be inclusive and welcoming of students from diverse academic backgrounds and not just those who are excelling in maths or science.

“Our goal is simple – every child, every teacher, every school digitally empowered,” the Minister said.

The three-day conference is being held under the theme: ‘Innovations in Education Technology: The Imperative of Change’.

It calls on educators to embrace advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI), smart classrooms, and data-driven instructions. These tools are no longer futuristic concepts but essential components for unlocking student potential and driving Jamaica towards a knowledge-based economy.

Day one of the event included plenary discussions on AI-enhanced reading strategies and smart-board training.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Dr. Kasan Troupe, says the annual National Reading Competition (NRC) remains integral to promoting literacy in Jamaica.

The competition serves as the flagship initiative of the Jamaica Library Service (JLS), with the goal of promoting reading skills across all age groups to foster personal growth and national development.

It continues to play a critical role in fostering literacy development among children and youth, encouraging lifelong learning for adults and shaping future leaders through reading.

“Let us continue to stand together [to promote literacy of the nation]. Let us continue to transform Jamaica, let us continue to empower our young people if we are going to have Jamaica be dominant, not just in sports, but in every area, especially literacy. We want to achieve 100 per cent literacy,” Dr. Troupe said.

She was speaking during the media launch of the 2025 National Reading Competition at the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Library on April 15.

Meanwhile, JLS Director General, Maureen Thompson, highlighted the competition’s contribution to the Education Ministry’s strategic priorities for literacy and lifelong learning.

“From its inception in 1988, the NRC has served as a strategic tool to support the national agenda of improving literacy, cultivating a love for reading and highlighting the powerful and diverse voices of Caribbean literature,” she said.

This year’s renewal, which commences in May, is being held under the theme: ‘Keep Reading Alive in 2025’.

The event kicks off with the first-round parish-level competition, to be hosted by JLS libraries islandwide.

Parish champions will be selected for each of the five age groups: 6-8, 9-11, 12-14, 15-20, and 21 and over.

The final round begins on July 31 and concludes with the national championships in August, where parish winners will compete for a range of prizes.

These include trophies, cash or bursary awards, technology devices, gift certificates, complimentary passes to local attractions, and trips to Caribbean destinations.

Ms. Thompson announced that the national championship finals will return to television for broadcast this year.

The JLS is looking to recruit 4,000 participants islandwide for this year’s competition, exceeding the 3,700 recorded in 2024.

More than 110,000 Jamaicans have participated in the competition since its launch in 1988 as part of the JLS’ 40th anniversary celebrations.

Initially, the competition was only open to children aged 9–11, but it was later expanded to include additional age groups, up to 99 years.

The Spanish Town-based St. Jago High School is the Overall Winner for St. Catherine in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Performing Arts Competition.

At a recent awards ceremony held at the St. Catherine High School, the institution walked away with five trophies and $50,000 in cash.

In addition to being the overall winner, St. Jago was named the Top High School, the Zone Winner for Spanish Town, and took first place in Speech and Drama.

The ceremony was held to recognise schools or groups that have performed well in the Festival of the Performing Arts in the areas of speech, music, dance and traditional folk forms during the period February to March.

Speaking with JIS News at the event, Drama Teacher at St. Jago High, Vanessa Gardner Ranor said the school community is proud of the achievement.

She said the students are involved in various extracurricular activities and “they always try to put their best forward in everything they do.

The competition helps in establishing cultural values, resilience, and helping them to be top achievers”.

Principal of the Victoria Primary School, which won the trophy for traditional folk form, Annette Steele, told JIS News that the teachers and the parents are “ecstatic”.

“We are not one of the big schools, but we have big talent, she said.

The Traditional Folk form category, the Principal noted, is important in preserving Jamaica’s cultural heritage and tradition.

It involves a variety of traditional Jamaican dances and performances such as Quadrille, Ring Games, Maypole, Revival, Ni Nite/Wake, Gerreh, Dinki Mini.

“We don’t find our children playing ring games [anymore], so, we decided that we want to continue the tradition. The parents are very supportive, the school community is happy for us. It puts us on the map; it is a good feeling overall,” Ms. Steele said.

She noted that the JCDC competition helps the students with their social development, as they get the opportunity to interact with students from other schools.

“When they go to national finals, they get to see other schools performing. It helps with their self-confidence,” she said.

In a speech delivered by Councillor for the Westchester Division, Renair Benjamin, Mayor of Spanish Town, Councillor Norman Scott, welcomed the staging of the awards ceremony in “paying tribute to the extraordinary achievements of our students”.

He hailed the JCDC for organising the Performing Arts Competition, noting that “it has showcased their indomitable spirit, unwavering commitment and unparalleled talents”.

He said the arts has the power to transform, illuminate, educate, inspire and motivate.

“The performing arts gives you a platform for which to be creative so your imaginations can soar,” he added.

Parish Manager for the JCDC, Vanessa Patterson, for her part, thanked the parents and teachers for their continued support in enabling the students to participate in the competition.

Miss St. Catherine Festival Queen 2025, Shahidah Grant, in her remarks, said that “the Jamaican culture is alive and well in our noble parish”.

“For all the talents that have been exhibited, it truly speaks to how powerful St. Catherine is. Continue to persist as the kings and queens of our nation,” she told the students.

Students and staff of Robert Lightbourne High School in St. Thomas recently redefined the expression ‘giving from the heart’, making a selfless impact on approximately 150 lives through their ‘Purple Pride’ Outreach Programme.

What is even more impressive is that the number only represents this year, while the programme has been ongoing for the last 35 years.

For 2025, the school held a health fair on Tuesday (April 14) during which persons in neighbouring communities benefited from free health checks.

On Wednesday (April 16), the students and staff delivered care packages to needy individuals in the communities before visiting the St. Thomas Infirmary where they served hot meals to the residents.

Several of the items distributed were acquired with proceeds from a fundraising fish fry organised by the school

Teacher, Levena Edwards, has been helping to coordinate the programme for 28 years. She said the school aims to use the initiative to instil the values of sharing and caring for others in its students, while fostering their holistic development.

Mrs. Edwards highlighted that the programme benefits feeder communities that are the origin of most of the pupils. Among the 150 beneficiaries were 50 students receiving food items, toiletries and school uniform material.

Senior Teacher, Leon Ford, who also helps to coordinate the legacy outreach programme, highlighted the significance of the support extended to the youngsters.

“We know that most of the students who come to our school are not really from the type of family that might have it. So, what we do is that we try to see if we can reach those students so that they know that we do care and it’s not just about coming [to school] and learning,” he told JIS News.

Mr. Ford added that, “we want the parents and residents in these communities to know that Robert Lightbourne [High] is there for them as well; it’s not just for the students alone”.

Principal, Ricardo Morgan, describes the programme as “simply awesome”. Quoting late Roman Catholic Nun and celebrated humanitarian, Mother Teresa, Mr. Morgan said, “It’s not how much we give, but it’s how much love we put into giving”, adding “that is something that we strongly believe in.”

He is optimistic about the programme’s continuation and expresses the hope that others will be encouraged to partner with the school on the initiative or spearhead their own.

The Principal also expressed enthusiasm for the holistic development of his pupils, emphasising the importance of providing them with first-hand experiences in this way.

“In the wider society, there are people who will always be better off in some instances and those who will not be well off, and those are people we need to look out for,” Mr. Morgan said.

The programme is also widely supported by the business community and other stakeholders in St. Thomas.

Among the sponsors are Mayor of Morant Bay, Councillor Louis Chin; the Surrey Promotional Team; Sterling Bakery; Young Sang Bakery; Joong Supermarket; Classic Supermarket; Chong Sang Hardware and Wholesale; Butty’s; Fish Cove Restaurant, as well as churches and individuals, among others.

The National Child Month Committee (NCMC) has unveiled a slate of activities to mark Child Month in May, focused on celebrating the achievements of children and promoting their rights and well-being.

Under the theme ‘Act Now: Stand Against Child Abuse and Exploitation’, the slate of events, which will extend into November, was launched on April 10 at GraceKennedy Limited in downtown Kingston.

“This is a time to celebrate the resilience and brilliance of our children. It’s also a time to surround them with support, whether through a kind word, a protective action or simply showing up,” said Chairperson of the NCMC, Nicole Patrick-Shaw, at the launch.

The celebration kicks off with a national church service on Saturday, May 3 at Northern Caribbean University (NCU) in Mandeville, Manchester.

This will be followed by National Children’s Day on May 16, and citizens are encouraged to show their support by wearing sunshine yellow on the day.

Jamaicans are invited to pray for the nation’s children at the National Day of Prayer on Wednesday, May 28, and on Friday, May 30, the NCMC will distribute care packages to vulnerable families.

The slate of activities continues into November with the Youth Academic Achievement Awards and Youth Forum, honouring students who have overcome obstacles to excel.

Mrs. Patrick-Shaw is encouraging Jamaicans to support the NCMC activities and others organised by various entities and organisations during Child Month.

“If you can’t join our activities, create your own. Host a reading circle, check in on a child, support a family,” she suggested.

Child Month involves partnership from the Ministry of Education, Skills and Youth, the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), and several non-governmental organisations and community groups.

The lead sponsors are GraceKennedy and National Baking Company Limited.

During the launch, KFC donated $1 million to support the work of the NCMC.

The sponsorship includes $500,000 in cash and $500,000 for provision of care packages.