Dear Editor,
I am very concerned about the quality of representation of your parties at the various graduation exercises around this time of the year. In too many instances, the presentations by these mayors, councillors, MPs, etc, were not appropriate or befitting an occasion which most schools consider to be the highlight of the school year.
Many of the representatives of these political parties show up uninvited, promise to just share a few words for "one or two minutes", which in many cases turn out to be at least 20 minutes long. In one particular instance, the politician went on for at least 45 minutes, while ignoring all attempts by the chair to close his presentation. In all of the instances which I have personally witnessed over the past couple of weeks, and in previous years as well, these interruptions caused all of the functions to go on later than was planned and/or the time allotted for the invited guest speakers at times has to be trimmed.
As far as I am concerned, this is clear abuse of political office and it must be stopped. On occasion, the language used at a ceremony dedicated to celebrating academic excellence would more befit a roadside conversation. It sends a wrong message to the students that speaking properly is not that important.
What's worse, sometimes, rather than celebrate the achievements of the students, what is said is bold-faced politicking and promotion of political agendas. Why should the spotlight be stolen from our children during their graduation ceremonies after years of hard work to make their parents, teachers and other well-wishers proud?
This is unfair and should be stopped. Graduation ceremonies should not be used as platforms for politicians to come and blow their own trumpets. It is time for politicians to raise the standard, show respect for graduation exercises, and stop making a mockery of the efforts of the administration of schools to plan and prepare for these ceremonies.
I am therefore calling on the political leadership to lead a charge to set a new standard of representation which will inspire our young people to do their best at all times. The current standard is not acceptable. I am looking forward to the change.
Pastor Wesley C. Boynes
President, Jamaica Independent Schools Association
Ocho Rios PO, St Ann
wesley.boynes@jisajm.com
Graduations not the place for politicking
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I am very concerned about the quality of representation of your parties at the various graduation exercises around this time of the year. In too many instances, the presentations by these mayors, councillors, MPs, etc, were not appropriate or befitting an occasion which most schools consider to be the highlight of the school year.
Many of the representatives of these political parties show up uninvited, promise to just share a few words for "one or two minutes", which in many cases turn out to be at least 20 minutes long. In one particular instance, the politician went on for at least 45 minutes, while ignoring all attempts by the chair to close his presentation. In all of the instances which I have personally witnessed over the past couple of weeks, and in previous years as well, these interruptions caused all of the functions to go on later than was planned and/or the time allotted for the invited guest speakers at times has to be trimmed.
As far as I am concerned, this is clear abuse of political office and it must be stopped. On occasion, the language used at a ceremony dedicated to celebrating academic excellence would more befit a roadside conversation. It sends a wrong message to the students that speaking properly is not that important.
What's worse, sometimes, rather than celebrate the achievements of the students, what is said is bold-faced politicking and promotion of political agendas. Why should the spotlight be stolen from our children during their graduation ceremonies after years of hard work to make their parents, teachers and other well-wishers proud?
This is unfair and should be stopped. Graduation ceremonies should not be used as platforms for politicians to come and blow their own trumpets. It is time for politicians to raise the standard, show respect for graduation exercises, and stop making a mockery of the efforts of the administration of schools to plan and prepare for these ceremonies.
I am therefore calling on the political leadership to lead a charge to set a new standard of representation which will inspire our young people to do their best at all times. The current standard is not acceptable. I am looking forward to the change.
Pastor Wesley C. Boynes
President, Jamaica Independent Schools Association
Ocho Rios PO, St Ann
wesley.boynes@jisajm.com
Graduations not the place for politicking
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