Dear Editor,
I write this letter with a heavy heart. I have just returned from the annual JTA Conference which took place at the Jamaica Grande Hotel in Ocho Rios. Overall it was an interesting and informative experience, but I simply have to place on record something disturbing.
On the third day of the colloquium, the executive team from the Ministry of Education, led by Education Minister Rev Ronald Thwaites attended the event. Minister Thwaites addressed the audience and his delivery was well received. He was respectful, cordial, even conciliatory in his words. His hand was extended to the several hundred teachers and the top brass of the Jamaica Teachers' Association. It was clear to everyone that the minister was eager to "mend the fence" and get on with the business of fixing the nation's education system.
Unfortunately, president-elect of the JTA, Doran Dixon, does not share this view. Mr Dixon throughout the minister's speech displayed petulant, churlish, puerile, boorish, and rude behaviour. He even walked off the platform as soon as the minister started speaking to the audience, for no apparent reason, with an annoyed expression masking his face.
In his "vote of thanks", Mr Dixon descended into a vitriolic tirade, which only served to embarass himself, his organisation and the teachers he represents. As an educator, I cry for my colleagues, students, and my country in general. God help us, if this is the person that is in succession to lead the once prestigious Jamaica Teachers' Association. The only solution is "divine intervention".
Disheartened Teacher
Jamaica
Doran at it again
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I write this letter with a heavy heart. I have just returned from the annual JTA Conference which took place at the Jamaica Grande Hotel in Ocho Rios. Overall it was an interesting and informative experience, but I simply have to place on record something disturbing.
On the third day of the colloquium, the executive team from the Ministry of Education, led by Education Minister Rev Ronald Thwaites attended the event. Minister Thwaites addressed the audience and his delivery was well received. He was respectful, cordial, even conciliatory in his words. His hand was extended to the several hundred teachers and the top brass of the Jamaica Teachers' Association. It was clear to everyone that the minister was eager to "mend the fence" and get on with the business of fixing the nation's education system.
Unfortunately, president-elect of the JTA, Doran Dixon, does not share this view. Mr Dixon throughout the minister's speech displayed petulant, churlish, puerile, boorish, and rude behaviour. He even walked off the platform as soon as the minister started speaking to the audience, for no apparent reason, with an annoyed expression masking his face.
In his "vote of thanks", Mr Dixon descended into a vitriolic tirade, which only served to embarass himself, his organisation and the teachers he represents. As an educator, I cry for my colleagues, students, and my country in general. God help us, if this is the person that is in succession to lead the once prestigious Jamaica Teachers' Association. The only solution is "divine intervention".
Disheartened Teacher
Jamaica
Doran at it again
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