Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter
STAKEHOLDERS IN the education sector have congratulated Prime Minister-designate Portia Simpson Miller, but are warning that there is no time for a honeymoon as they want to see transformation of the sector very soon.
"I am looking forward to her making her promise with dealing with education, especially early childhood, and to see what ways we can work together to assist the less fortunate in the society," said Alphansus Davis, president of the Association of Principals and Vice-Principals for Upgraded High Schools.
Wayne Robinson, immediate past president of the Independent Schools Association, congratulated Mrs. Simpson Miller on her feat.
"We extend our congratulations to Mrs. Simpson Miller who obviously has popular national support. If she can capitalise on that (her popularity), then we can get the unity that the country needs."
Mr. Robinson told The Gleaner that the task force on education has laid the foundation for transforming the education sector and that, if Mrs. Simpson Miller continues along the path of implementing the recommendations, then Jamaica would have a world-class education system.
NO COMPREHENSIVE PLAN YET
"If it is not education, it is nothing at all," he stressed.
President-elect of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA), Hopeton Henry, in the meantime, said he was expecting several changes in education. He, however, noted that the president-elect had not put forward a comprehensive plan for education.
"I have not heard much from her as it relates to education so, it is my hope that we will meet with her shortly to discuss policy issues," Mr. Henry said.
Edward Forbes, immediate past president of Merl Grove High School's Parent-Teacher Association, said he thinks Mrs. Simpson Miller will give more consideration to education, especially at the early childhood level.
