A new approach to solving Jamaica's educational problems was well received by participants in a lecture discussion led by Jamaica's minister of education, Andrew Holness and hosted by Inter-American Dialogue in Washington, DC, on Tuesday morning.

The minister pointed out the need for accountability, research, establishment of standards and joint partnerships.

He thanked the United States Agency for International Develop-ment for its assistance over the years and expressed his commitment to the transformation process, which came about as a result of a bill moved by then Leader of Opposition Edward Seaga in Parliament in 2003. The bill was accepted by the Government of the day and led to an agreement signed by the minister of education and the Opposition spokesman on education.

Minister Holness pointed to gaps in the system and said he believed the time had come for Jamaica to offer each citizen a first-class education and thereby reduce the host of social problems which currently beset the society.

meaningful change

The meeting was attended by professionals from research organisations, United States government officials and members of the diplomatic community. He was commended on his analysis and his courage in facing up to problems which some vested interests might not immediately support.

Minister Holness, replying to the observations, said that Jamaican civil society had been strong in its desire to see meaningful change, not merely in the education systems, but in improved outcomes in terms of an improved labour force.