Phillips calls for transformation of education sector

Opposition Spokesman on National Security and Member of Parliament for East Central St. Andrew, Dr. Peter Phillips, is calling for an urgent transformation of the educational sector.



He said this is necessary to stem the decline in school attendance and the lack of certification for many Jamaican children.



Dr. Phillips said a new system of accountability must be implemented for members of the educational sector. However, deficiencies in the education system are one of the many factors leading to the increase in crime.



The latest Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions revealed significant declines in attendance rates in 2006 compared with 2004.



According to the survey, there has been an overall decline in the attendance at the primary level from 75.8 percent in 2004 to 71.9 percent in 2006.



The decline was more significant at the secondary level with 73.6 percent in 2006, compared with 80.5 percent in 2004.