The Editor, Sir:

In his article 'Gender Politics' in The Gleaner, October 17, Peter Espeut is right about Carolyn Cooper being wrong and about what existed in the past as it relates to the education opportunities for boys in Jamaica. His historical perspective, though it contains the truth, falls short of the whole truth. Pieces of the truth must be told until the whole truth is revealed.

At present, there might not be much of an issue as it relates to gender, and the opportunity to attend schools in Jamaica. Opportunity is there at all levels. For some reason more girls get to the tertiary level than boys.

The answer to the following question would be interesting. What percentage of all girls at the primary level matriculate to a traditional high school? What percentage of all girls at the secondary level make it to a 'recognised' tertiary institution? When answered truthfully, one will see that it is beyond debate that a poor standard of education has been perpetuated in Jamaica.

Marginalises the majority

Indeed, the quality of education offered marginalises the majority of Jamaicans, male and female, and the blame must be placed on government. We continue to have underpaid teachers in oversized classrooms of hungry children with parents who are themselves illiterate.

One has to wonder, is this not deliberate. Is it not designed to ensure that the 'big man' who is intelligent, and can afford prep schools and private tutors, will always get his child into university? Were the institutions of higher learning (with one standing out in my mind) not designed to produce the kinds of persons who will eventually 'find' themselves as leaders in this country? And when they become leaders will they seek to revolutionise education?

In a letter to come, I will reveal the national averages of GSAT results for the years 2005-2007. We might just find this very interesting. Jamaicans, think on these things.

I am, etc.,

DAREN S. LARMOND

Associate pastor

Optilearn1@yahoo.com

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