JTA Calls for Change to JTC Bill

The Joint Select Committee meeting on Thursday escalated into a rowdy debate when president of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association Winston Smith was interrupted by meeting Chair, Fayval Williams as he expressed disapproval for several provisions under the Jamaica Teaching Council’s Bill. 

But, member Lambert Brown didn’t take kindly to Williams’ interruption, as he says stakeholders who are presenting in the meetings should be free to express their concerns without being censored. 

However even after the heated exchange, smith insisted if the bill, as is, becomes law it will result in hundreds being forced out of the sector. 

In addition, he argues that section 24 of the bill, which allows teachers practicing without a license to be fined minimum five hundred thousand dollars or six months in prison must be changed as it criminalize teachers. 

However, Floyd Green dismisses that claim. 

Reporter: Velonique Bowen