Reid pushing to have JTC bill passed this financial year

Education Minister, Senator Ruel Reid, has indicated that additional drafting instructions for the Jamaica Teaching Council Bill (JTC) could be issued by the end of this month.

Senator Reid said he is expecting to have the bill passed into law this legislative year.

The bill, which was first drafted in 2013, has been on hold because of strong opposition from the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA).

The education minister says further modifications will be made to the bill, several drafts of which have been rejected by the JTA.

According to him, the changes to the bill will address the concern of the education ministry being a registration and regulatory body while at the same time being an employer.

Senator Reid also signalled that the Teachers’ Services Commission will work with the Jamaica Teaching Council.

He said the JTC bill will provide the legal framework for the work of the Council.