Education is said to be a right and is extended to all Jamaican children, and even adults. During the 1970s as a child I enjoyed 'free education' all the way up to secondary level. We did not purchase many books because textbooks and learning materials were provided by the Ministry of Education then.

As time went by and different governments took over the role of governance, things changed with different emphases according to the management style of each new prime minister. Many challenges faced the governments of the past, hence we saw the introduction of cost-sharing to finance education at the secondary and tertiary levels. At the announcement very little concerns were raised and cost-sharing came on stream. This did not pose a threat to education.

What actually happened was the need for more schools to be built to accommodate the many thousands that had nowhere to go after the more fortunate ones were selected from the then common entrance examination. This was not seen as a threat to education by the majority.

High book prices

The high prices on books have always been a concern for the general public yet many never saw it as a threat to education; many unfortunate students went through the system unsuccessfully as they could not purchase even one book. Why then do we consider the imposition of a little tax on certain books a threat to education?

Many students attending schools at the primary level through to tertiary level boast a cellphone that cost at least $6,000 and up to $40,000, not to mention the name brand shoes worn to school.

The Government provides a bus service at $20 per student, and many students, instead of appreciating this generous offer, have chosen to take taxis and other buses whish cost three or four times that of the Government's bus service. The introduction of a little tax on textbooks should not be viewed as a threat to education. The real threat to education is the Government not being able to give its teachers a reasonable wage package.

I am, etc.,

Chester Phillips

Salt Marsh

Falmouth P.O.

Trelawny