The Editor, Sir:

Once again we have come full circle in the school system, as we begin another school year. And once again many parents in and around the Ocho Rios area have to face the frustration of finding high-school places for their children.

There are three categories of need:

1) There are students who are placed in schools which are located far from their homes. These parents/students encounter high transportation costs, multiple transportation to get to and from school, and at times limited means of transportation to get to school. Many complain that taxies/buses are reluctant to take the students because the fare is too little. To top it all, many parents are unable to find the money for transportation.

2) There are parents who are seeking high school spaces for their children in or near to Ocho Rios because they have relocated to the area.

3) There are parents who are seeking good-quality education for their children. They want their children to attend a school that maintains a high level of discipline, secure environment, offers a balanced curriculum, a well-run/managed facility, and proud, high-achieving graduates.

This past summer scores of parents from all of the three categories have sought placement at the Ocho Rios High School. In fact, on one particular day there were well over 200 such parents. Many of them related that they have been to the other schools in the area to get their children admitted without success.

No construction

It is my understanding, and that of many other stakeholders in education, that the Discovery Bay and Bamboo High schools would come on stream so as to address this long-standing issue of inadequate high-school space. And, as far as the eyes can see, there is no construction taking place.

The Ministry of education needs to pull out all the stops and deliver more high-school spaces in the Ocho Rios area. We all agree that every child has a right to an education. Getting registered in a school is the first step. The Ministry of Education sternly defends free education. But how come it is free and some cannot get a space? Mr Prime Minister, I humbly submit that free education without access for all is not a benefit.

I am, etc,

MONICA A. McINTYRE

Principal

Ocho Rios High School