Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, says the new academic year is off to a smooth start.

He said there have been no adverse reports from schools, adding that the Ministry is prepared to respond to any concerns throughout the day.

Senator Reid was addressing a school-opening ceremony at Seaward Primary and Junior High in St Andrew this morning (Sept. 5).

The function, organised by the Ministry in collaboration with the Community Safety and Security Branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), was to mark the institution’s 60th anniversary as well as promote a focus on safety in schools.

Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid (right), interacts with students and a parent at the Seaward Primary and Junior High School on Olympic Way, St. Andrew this morning (September 5). The Minister was attending a ceremony to mark the institution’s 60th anniversary as well as promote a focus on safety in schools. It was put on by the Ministry in collaboration with the Community Safety and Security Branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

Senator Reid hailed the JCF for its role in ensuring an orderly start to the new school year and that there were no major disruptions.

He noted that the safety and security of the nation’s youth remains a priority for the Government and the Ministry.

Meanwhile, the Education Minister said the Government is focused on the transformation of the Jamaican society by instilling positive values and attitudes among the youth.

“The education system will support the achievement of the mindset change through its socialisation function, where Jamaicans will be exposed to and provided with the tools to adopt the transformational values,” he said.

Senator Reid said the National Values and Attitude Committee, which is chaired by himself and Opposition Spokesperson on Education, Rev. Ronald Thwaites, will be instrumental in supporting all sectors in the push to transform individual and collective attitudes and behaviours.

Source: Jamaica Information Service