The Editor, Sir:

The Ministry of Education is concerned that your reporting on the education transformation programme places the education of Jamaica's children at great risk. I am, therefore, seeking to elevate the public discussion on the subject by correcting inaccuracies in your story of Thursday, March 6.

As permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education, I can confirm that the minister of education requested a report for submission to Cabinet, on the expenditure of the $5 billion that was transferred from the National Housing Trust (NHT) to the education transformation programme.

I am also confirming that at no stage was a "probe" requested by the honourable minister. It is reasonable to conclude, therefore, he was not being "coy" when the minister informed your reporter that "he just asked for a report".

I can also assure you that no individual in our ministry has been "grilled by a panel about the expenditure under the programme".

As you must be aware, only official agencies/arms of government have the authority to interrogate the public servants of the ministry. Furthermore, such proceedings would not take place without the knowledge of the permanent secretary.

Finally, I can assure the nation that funds received from the NHT have been used to make significant and long overdue improvements in the nation's education system. This can be confirmed by hundreds of principals.

Indeed, approximately 87 per cent of the funds were spent on schools' infrastructure, facilities, equipment and furnishings.

The remaining 13 per cent has been used in activities aimed at creating a sustainable education foundation in areas such as curriculum teaching and learning; schools governance and manage-ment; ministry modernisation; and community, behaviour and com-munications.

I am, etc.,

MARIA JONES (Mrs)

Permanent Secretary

Ministry of Education