The Editor, Sir:

I have sent the following letter to Devon Ruddock, regional director of region four in the Ministry of Education, on continued selling in classrooms of Montego Bay's primary schools:

Good Day Mr Ruddock:

In the last school year, I sent several emails to your office concerning the massive commercialisation of classrooms in Montego Bay's primary schools.

Taxpayers shafted

On one occasion, I got a reply that the director (you, I presume) was investigating the matter. Based on the ministry's findings, I wonder what was done to address the matter. At present, teachers are still selling in the classrooms.

As a parent, I am deeply concerned. We, the taxpayers and parents, are being shafted. Is selling the policy of region four or is it that, as manager and supervisor, you do not have the clout or willpower to stop this destructive practice?

I believe that unless strong actions are taken against principals, their aides (vice-principals) and teachers who continue to sell, rather than teach, we will not have a positive change to this situation.

I think that it is time once again for all children to be given their 15 minutes morning recess every day in order to get fresh air and to buy what they want just like in the old days.

These days, school administrators tell us that our children are kept in the classrooms as a means of protection and control.

The truth is, it is for them to disguise and promote their addictive classroom vending.

Copies of my letter were also emailed to the prime minister's radio programme. I later received a reply that the information would be sent to Andrew Holness, minister of education.

Sir, you need to act and act seriously. Are your education officers, ex-teachers, who condone this disgusting practice, thus providing security for school principals and teachers?

Maintain standards

Please do not allow the education system to be corrupted like the rest of the society. If education loses its high ethical and moral standards, then there is no hope for our society.

Sir, I also would like to know which private security firm provides security for these schools, because even the security guards seem to be aiding and abetting the trade. I guess the principals and/or teachers give the instruction.

I call on you to make a public statement in the media so that we the parents know the Ministry of Education region four's clear position on the matter.

I am, etc.,

Concerned Parent