THE EDITOR, Sir:
"YUH NUH hear di news mi dear? Jamaican teacha dem..."
Jamaica must have had really good old days 'fi true'. I remember as a student back in 1978-1981 at Morant Bay High School. There were so many teachers from England and elsewhere even Belgium. Yes, Jamaica used to attract foreign teachers and good teachers too. What has gone wrong? That is another story.
Now these very countries, First World, of course, are now recruiting our teachers. I remember when I started attending teachers' college in 1983, I felt that I was a fool because who in his right mind would want to become a teacher then. As a matter of fact, when I left college I told a lady (someone I knew long before) that I was a teacher. Her response was, "It better than nothing mi boy".
How can any country truly progress if education and educators are not treated as priority?
I am not saying here that all professions and jobs are not important. The fact is that nowhere in the world are teachers really highly paid individuals. However, the world is virtually a 'global village' where people with skills and education are in demand.
In all of this teachers are 'precious commodities'. Why then are recruiting agencies flocking the island and attractive incentives are being offered?
The result 'Colonisation In Reverse'. And this one Miss Lou may say is dangerous. I am fully aware, and I should know but what can I do?
I am etc.,
LEIGHTON JACKSON
jackson_leighton@hotmail.com
Rosedale, Queens, New York
Via Go-Jamaica
