With the new school year only seven days away, the Opposition People's National Party is urging the Government to quickly explain its plans for the education sector.

Opposition spokesman on Education Basil Waite says the Government is sending mixed signals about the impact that the current economic crisis will have on the sector.

"With the commitment by the prime minister that the education budget would not be affected with a return to the International Monetary Fund, and now a pronouncement by the minister of education that the schools facility and infrastructure budget has been slashed, affecting the planned construction of at least three new schools, there is confusion about the government's approach," Waite claimed.

should move quickly

He said Minister of Education Andrew Holness should move quickly to restore some credibility to the Government by providing the nation with a thorough update on the adjustments that are being made to the education budget.

According to Waite, the announcement of the plan to shelve the construction of the new schools is confusing, based on the education minister's admission in his presentation in the sectoral debate that a shortage of classroom space was a major concern for the sector.

"We understand that the nation is experiencing a severe economic crisis. The importance of education to the development of the nation, and the widespread uncertainties associated with this period are all the more reason for consistent and clear communication from this administration," Waite said.

"This is a period that calls for collaboration and not exclusion. The Opposition is offering itself to partner with the Government in ensuring that a stable and sure environment is maintained within the education sector," added Waite.