Kingston, Jamaica — During a passionate address at the 86th annual conference of the People’s National Party (PNP) on Sunday, September 15, 2024, Opposition spokesperson on Education, Damion Crawford, sharply criticized the current administration’s handling of the education sector. Speaking to a packed audience at the National Arena, Crawford detailed the alarming statistics of this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, where only 18 percent of Jamaican students passed five subjects, including mathematics and English language.
“In fact, 13,000 children (at the PEP level) this year did not achieve proficiency in mathematics. They asked for bread, they were given stones,” Crawford declared, underscoring the disappointing performance in key subject areas. Further emphasizing the gravity of the situation, he noted that 11,000 children failed to achieve proficiency in English language.
Crawford’s remarks at the PNP conference quickly sparked reactions, particularly when he aimed criticism at Minister of Education Fayval Williams. “Only 18 percent of Jamaican children get five subjects including maths and English, and then I hear that the Minister of Education is seeking a promotion. What can go so?” he questioned, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience. Speculations have been rife that Williams might soon replace Dr. Nigel Clarke as Minister of Finance and the Public Service.
Further criticizing the current government’s talents, Crawford stated, “by right she should be asked for her resignation but I understand what is happening in the JLP (Jamaica Labour Party) because they have no talent. The JLP reminds me of an artiste that go to studio with 10 words an wha mek 30 songs. What can go so?”
In his energized address, Crawford promised significant improvements in the education sector should the PNP take over the government. “We have found the stone heap and we have found the serpent’s nest, and I guarantee that in five years after we (the PNP) take Government, we will defeat Trinidad, we will defeat Barbados, in CXC, the same way we treat dem in CARIFTA (Games),” he declared amid louder cheers. He even humorously contested the title of “The Teacha” with popular entertainer Vybz Kartel, who was present at the conference following his release from prison in July after nearly 13 years.
Crawford outlined several solutions to tackle the education crisis, starting with reducing absenteeism. Highlighting the high absenteeism rates—37 percent in rural areas and 18 percent in urban areas—he proposed boarding facilities for at least 30 percent of the student population and ensuring one meal per child at school. Anticipating criticisms on affordability, he countered, “they say they can’t afford one meal per child in school but they will afford three meals per adult in prison… they’re planning a big investment in prisons to board you with gun for 15 and with murder for 30.”
Addressing teacher retention, Crawford announced plans for a comprehensive strategy to make it easier for teachers to own homes and motor vehicles. Stressing the importance of retaining local talent amidst high international recruitment rates, he said, “We will meet with our friends from the embassies who want our talent to help us to prepare an investment so that they can get, and we can have, and our children aren’t left without teachers.”
Crawford concluded by endorsing PNP President Mark Golding as a trustworthy and honest leader who can bring about the necessary changes. As supporters cheered, he took a veiled jab at potential corruption within the JLP, alluding to an upcoming Integrity Commission report, “I don’t know what is going to happen Tuesday when that thing is tabled in the Parliament, but if you surrounded by 40 thieves maybe you are Alibaba.”
The high-energy speech set a combative tone for the PNP as it gears up for future electoral battles, highlighting the party’s commitment to addressing the significant issues facing Jamaica’s education sector.
