Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) spokesman on Education, Andrew Holness, has countered claims that his party has backed away from its offer to make education free if it forms the next government.
He says the JLP never promised the Jamaican people free education, but free tuition.
Speaking at a media briefing held by the Youth Arm of the JLP, G2K Wednesday, Mr. Holness challenged People’s National Party (PNP) President and Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller's claim that the JLP had reneged on its promise.
Mr. Holness in return challenged the PNP to look at the promises that it has broken regarding education.
“The Prime Minister is saying you cannot trust our promises. In 2002 when our former leader Edward Seaga raised the issue in Parliament of making schools tuition free, then Prime Minister P.J. Patterson agreed. He agreed on the platform in Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay,” said Mr. Holness.
“He said he will make schools tuition free by 2005, a solemn promise, he repeated it in Parliament in 2003. Who didn’t keep their promise? We’re in 2007. So when somebody challenges our integrity and credibility, they should look at themselves first,” he continued.Labels: academy awards, career training, financial aid, free college, free education, student loans, study abroad |
