New JTA president wants consultation on draft JTC bill

Andre Poyser, Staff Reporter

MONTEGO BAY, St James:
Newly installed President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), Howard Isaacs, wants the Education Ministry to give the union an opportunity to weigh in on the revised draft of the Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC) bill.

The bill proposes to establish a governing body for teachers and sets out a mechanism for their licensing and registration.

The legislation also proposes to empower the council to suspend or cancel the registration of a teacher under certain circumstances.

The JTA had objected to several clauses in the first bill and submitted suggestions, which are expected to inform the revised version.

Last night during his inaugural address at the JTA's 52nd Annual Conference, now on in Montego Bay, St. James Isaacs said the association is yet to see the revised version of the bill.

Isaacs is adamant that the JTA will continue to lobby for an opportunity to review the revised version.

Minister of Education, Senator Ruel Reid, has said the JTC bill is at an advanced stage.

Isaacs assumes the presidency of the JTA from Norman Allen.