It may be too soon to celebrate the Ministry of Education decision to scrap the dreaded Grade Six Achievement Test. Wayne Campbell suggests its replacement, the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) test, may be nothing more than a case of name swapping. PEP will not alter the public's perception that some schools are better than others and it will not guarantee all students the same quality of education regardless of socioeconomic background. Read article
GSAT déjà vu
Lesson from the Bay of Pigs
As Cuba marks the 52nd anniversary of the Bay of Pigs victory there are important leadership lessons for Jamaica in this David vs. Goliath struggle. Fidel Castro fought alongside the young Cuban revolutionaries that defeated the US-backed mercenaries. He did not ask his people to do what he would not. And he mobilized the youth to defend their homeland. Trevor Brown asks, on what moral grounds are our SUV-sporting politicians asking us to "bite the bullet" and how are our youth being rallied for national development? Read article
Solving our drought woes
The ‘Land of Wood and Water” is suffering a severe drought that is causing undue hardship to many. Sannette Grant suggests reclaiming water to overcome our chronic water problem. The reuse of water has been done safely in Israel, Japan and other countries for many years and can benefit Jamaica too. We must explore ways to ensure availability of this precious commodity as metrological forecasts predict less rainfall and worsening water woes. Read article
Quitting Jamaica
Violent crime and a lack of opportunities are making migration an attractive option for many. Lady Allen has considered it, Senator Stanley Redwood is intent on it, and our Minister of National Security is seeking divine intervention. Lloyd B. Smiths says if we are to attain the 2030 dream of making “Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business” we must stop the blame game and get involved. Read article
The passing of two titans
Martin Henry pays tribute to two iconic Jamaicans whose lives were devoted to building a better Jamaica. Businessman, philanthropist and champion of the arts Maurice Facey has left a massive legacy in concrete and steel and in business leadership. While folklorist and musicologist Dr. Olive Lewin will be remembered as a cultural visionary committed to preserving Jamaican folk music and oral history. We are richer today for their significant contributions. Read article
