The JLP made a promise, in its 2007 manifesto, that if it was elected to form the next government it would extend the Students' Loan repayment period to 15 years, excluding the years studying. Currently, the repayment period is 10 years, including the years studying. It also promised to increase the repayment moratorium period to one year (The Gleaner, Wednesday, August 1, 2007).

Increasing funds

Interest rates would be reduced and students would have the option of repaying just the interest on the loan during the first five years of the repayment period.

These measures would greatly increase the availability of funds through improved inflows from greater compliance, especially if past delinquents were given an amnesty period during which overdue interest would be reduced or waived. Most of the delinquent students would love to honour their obligations, but have little option, with the high monthly repayment demand, and being unemployed or underemployed.

Prospective students would be more motivated to apply for loans, and there would be more money available for lending due to the increased inflows.

This is a promise that the Government should honour without delay. Tertiary and secondary institutions, students and parents need to follow this one carefully, and ensure that it is implemented at the very earliest.

This is the children's future and Jamaica's future.

I am, etc.,

WAYNE McKENZIE

JahJahSee@gmail.com

Via Go-Jamaica