Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter

Ocho Rios, St. Ann:

Maxine Henry-Wilson, Minister of Education and Youth, says the Government is ready to go back to the negotiating table with teachers, to avert any disruption in the education system come September.

"I deeply regret that we were not able to settle this very contentious matter," Mrs. Henry said yesterday, while addressing delegates at the 42nd annual conference of the Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA).

Mrs. Henry-Wilson said she had spoken with Dr. Omar Davies, Minister of Finance and Planning, and his junior minister, Fitz Jackson, and that they are both anxious to have a settlement.

"Both asked me to convey to you (teachers) that they are ready to go back to the bargaining table as soon as possible. Education is very important to us so we cannot lose one minute," said the Education Minister. "However, I ask that teachers recognise that we negotiate within a context. I ask you to recognise that all variables are not within the control of those who are negotiating, even on the side of the Government."

Unanimous rejection

Delegates at the JTA conference, at the Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort, St. Ann, on Tuesday unanimously rejected the Government's latest offer of a $7,500 book allowance for the island's more than 22,000 public sector teachers.

The JTA has given the Government until next Wednesday to present an improved offer.

New JTA President Hopeton Henry warned that, if the Finance Ministry makes any further agreement and reneges, there will be serious disruption in the education system.

Meanwhile, a resolution for the JTA to withdraw from the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) has been put on hold to allow for further consultation.