Lauriston Lindsay, the principal of Happy Grove High School in Portland, speaking at a Gleaner Company luncheon for teachers yesterday. - PHOTOS BY RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
LAURISTON LINDSAY, principal of Portland-based Happy Grove High School, yesterday called on the Government to increase the base pay of teachers, if performance-based pay is to be introduced.
He warned that the migration of qualified educators would continue if the rate of remuneration was not improved.
Mr. Lindsay was delivering the keynote address at The Gleaner Company's annual teachers' day luncheon held for more than 60 educators from the parish of Portland at the Jamaica Crest Resort and Villas in the parish.
LAUDED THE TEACHERS
He lauded the teachers for their efforts in what he described as the trying circumstances that they operate under. The principal implored the educators to give their support to the efforts that are being made to transform the education system.
Each year since 1996 the Gleaner Company has held a luncheon in a parish to honour the teachers of Jamaica.
At yesterday's luncheon Errol Knight, the newspaper's technology manager, lauded the island's teachers for their contribution to the education sector.
He told them that they had a tremendous job at hand, especially at a time when respect for individual and community was at the lowest.
Corine Brown-West, principal of Rural Hill Primary School, put a smile on the teachers' faces when she sang, When You Walk Through a Storm, and Evening Time.
Dr. Donald Rhodd, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education Youth and Culture, congratulated the Gleaner Company on its gesture to honour the teachers.
"Indeed, I am happy to see that one of the most powerful agents of communication ... which provides information and knowledge as part of the non-formal education sector has initiated this programme to recognise and pay tribute to those who have helped in the growth and development of generations of Jamaicans," said Dr. Rhodd.
The junior Education Minister paid tribute to the teachers and told them that they have equipped the students of Jamaica with life skills, competencies, values and attitudes which are necessary to maximise their potential to compete regionally and globally.
Earl Christian, principal of Fellowship Primary and Junior High School, said he felt privileged having been honoured by the Gleaner Company.
"I think it is sending a very great signal that we are appreciated and this is exactly what we want the society to think about us," he said.
Mr. Christian said teachers are there to serve children and "if more private organisations would realise what is happening and motivate us, we would be able to do more".
