Henry-wilson

Education Minister Maxine Henry-Wilson yesterday warned primary school administrators who continue to charge fees for children at the primary level to desist.

"Primary education is supposed to be fully covered by the Government. We have had unfortunate instances where some principals are saying you have to pay down $3,000 to get a space in primary schools. No, we don't support that," Mrs. Henry-Wilson told delegates who attended the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) 43rd annual conference, held at the Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort and Spa, in St. Ann.

She also noted that there were instances where some primary schools have been charging up to $10,000 for fees.

"We recognise that we have a deficit in terms of the real cost of education, but we cannot have a situation where there is chaos in terms of what schools are charging," said Mrs. Henry-Wilson.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Henry-Wilson urged educators to observe the bulletin, which was sent out by her office, outlining how to treat the cost recovery of students who cannot afford to pay their school fees at the secondary level .

"Too many instances are coming to light where persons are saying that they've not seen the bulletin or the ministry can't tell them what to do. We have a system in place where the cost or charge can be recovered from the Ministry of Education and Youth for secondary students," Mrs. Henry-Wilson said.