Immediate past president of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA), Ruel Reid, addressing principals and senior teachers in western Jamaica, at The Gleaner sponsored Teachers' Appreciation Luncheon, held at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort in Montego Bay, yesterday. Mr. Reid has called for a 'no-fighting' policy in schools and a mandatory national parent-training programme. - Photo by Noel Thompson

Mark Titus, Freelance Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Formerpresident of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA), Ruel Reid, has issued a call for a 'no-fighting' policy to be implemented in schools.

"As a society, we have developed a very violent culture that is impacting on our education process," he said. "We need to have a no-fighting policy in schools that whether you are the victim or the aggressor, disciplinary action will be taken against you."

Mr. Reid was delivering the keynote address at The Gleaner's Teachers Appreciation Luncheon at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort in Montego Bay, St. James yesterday.

Some 40 educators from Trelawny, St. James, Westmoreland and Hanover were honoured for partnering with The Gleaner's Children's Own and Youthlink publications in the thrust towards education.

Culture of violence

According to Mr. Reid, the Jamaican society has been experiencing an acceleration of a culture of violence and corruption, which requires a multiagency approach to deal with the problem.

"There should be a coordinated effort between the state, JTA, the Church and NGOs (non-government organisations) to begin a national parent-training programme," the educator stated. "All parents should undergo parenting training before their child is admitted in school."

William Knibb High in Trelawny received the top prize for the school with the best overall sales for the Youthlink magazine, while Barracks Road Primary copped the award for the best overall Children's Own sales.

Both schools received a trophy and a $10,000 Sangster's Book Stores gift voucher. The teacher coordinators were presented with a Jamaica National gift voucher valued at $10,000, and a weekend for four.

Celebrating with the specially invited guests were Winston Dear, member of The Gleaner Company Board of Directors; Garfield Grandison, editor-in-chief; circulation manager, Neville Wallace; Karin Cooper, corporate affairs manager; and, manager at The Gleaner Western Bureau offices in Montego Bay, Shernett Robinson.

The Children's Own is Jamaica's leading children's paper and has been in existence since 1950, with the Youthlink dominating the teenage market for over 10 years.