Jamaica College was honoured to have been chosen by the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Hon Andrew Holness, as the only high school to be visited, by himself and members of his cabinet, to commemorate the opening day of the new school year on Monday September 2, 2024.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Minister of Education Hon Fayval Williams, and Minister of Transport Honourable Daryl Vaz. All three addressed the large gathering of first form students and parents who packed the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium.
PM Holness discussing the importance of investing in the education sector
The PM and Minister Vaz brought good news of new buses to be added to the JUTC route to JC coming from New Kingston, and the PM acknowledged in his remarks that this had been one of the concerns expressed by the Board. Minister Williams expressed the Government's pleasure at being able to deliver on their commitment to assist with much needed hurricane and earthquake repairs.
In his response Principal Wayne Robinson thanked the Ministers for the much needed initiatives and assistance. Chairman Lance Hylton expressed appreciation for the Government's responsiveness to the Boards pleas for the buses and revealed that the initiative had started with a plea from Shamar Bell, the Student Council representative. Chairman Hylton also thanked the Minister for finalising the appointment of the principal, and presented the three cabinet members with Honorary JC pins.
The visit lasted several hours and also included interaction between the visiting dignitaries and their entourages with parents, students, as well as with our school's leaders. The event generated several days of positive press coverage for Jamaica College across all media, including front page and prime time news coverage.
In addition to being grateful for the assistance and support, Jamaica College feels a sense of honour and pride in the fact that the nation's leaders chose us for this visit, with our having just hours' notice. It signals a level of confidence in our ability to spontaneously host such an event in a way that compliments the image of that the Ministers would want to convey in the attendant local and international press coverage.
The decision to choose JC also demonstrates the positive image of wholesomeness and success that attends our brand.
