Crawford ‘Hurt’ After Teachers Appear to Reject Proposal to Extend School Day

Opposition senator, Damion Crawford, says he’s hurt that teachers appear not to be on board with his proposal to extend the school day by two hours.

He was speaking at a People’s National Party, PNP, mass rally at Emancipation Square in Spanish Town, St. Catherine on Wednesday night.

At a press briefing last week, the education spokesman repeated the previously announced idea among several measures he said a PNP administration would implement if it retakes the helm of government.

But the proposal has been met with widespread criticism, including from teachers and their lobby group, the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, JTA.

JTA president Mark Smith says student underperformance can be addressed during regular school hours. He also says focus should instead be placed on the underfunding of the education system.

Senator Crawford later clarified that the extended hours would be voluntary, and that teachers would be paid for the additional time.

On Wednesday night, he sought to remind teachers of times he says he has advocated on their behalf.

Meanwhile, Senator Crawford says there are several benefits in store for teachers from a future PNP administration.

Opposition Senator, Damion Crawford.