Press Release From The Jamaica Labour Party - July 06, 2025:
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| The Hon. Dr Dana Morris Dixon, Senator |
The Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. The Honourable Dana Morris Dixon, is describing attacks by the parliamentary opposition on the Government's Rural School Bus System, for which phase 1 will be rolled out starting September 2025, as baseless, unfortunate, and unhelpful, particularly given the importance of the initiative to thousands of children and families across rural Jamaica.
Minister Dixon says she is particularly disappointed by remarks from Opposition Leader Mark Golding who used a political platform to disparage the buses as "old" and proposed that school children be transported by "di likkle man who have dem pro-box and AR wagon".
The Minister says equally disappointing is Opposition Senator Peter Bunting's false and baseless allegation that the buses are being brought into Jamaica to "kill off di children". Senator Bunting stated - "dem a buy used school bus fi go kill off wi school pickney dem."
Minister Dixon emphasised that the buses are purpose-built for student transport and are held to internationally recognized safety standards.
“Similar model buses are currently utilised in the United States and Canada. The buses are manufactured in accordance with the safety specifications of the U.S. Department of Transportation, and they undergo a rigorous maintenance and inspection regime before and after arriving in Jamaica. Our students’ safety is our foremost priority,” – Minister Morris Dixon.
The Minister further added: “Upon arrival, each bus undergoes a comprehensive inspection and fitness testing consistent with international best practices, and they will be serviced regularly to ensure continued reliability.”
The Minister also highlighted that the buses will include modern features such as GPS tracking accessible by parents, speed limiters, onboard surveillance cameras, geofencing, and a cashless payment system, all designed to enhance security and convenience for both students and parents.
The Education Minister says Bunting's false and egregious allegation about buses being brought in to kill of children is particularity disturbing and should be immediately withdrawn.
“I sincerely hope that we can move the conversation forward in a manner that puts students and their families first. The Rural School Bus System is a critical investment in equity and access, especially for children living in remote areas who often face difficulties in attending school regularly. Policies and programmes must grounded in facts. I hope the opposition can do the right thing and leave politics out of our children’s needs. Senator Bunting must withdraw his false statement”, Minister Morris Dixon commented.
The Minister says the Government will not be distracted from implementing its plan to bring relief, comfort and convenience to children in rural Jamaica who encounter transportation challenges on a daily basis. The system will also significantly reduce transportation costs which parents face.
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A comprehensive transportation system would greatly benefit Jamaica's development.
ReplyDeleteThis could include:
1. Efficient reliable public transport buses, trains,bike taxis,horse drawn buggies,rickshaw and pushcarts particularly in crowded city centres.
2. Reliable road networks
3. Pedestrian-friendly infrastructure
4. Cycling paths
5. Integration with existing systems (e.g., taxis, buses)
6.Note that handcart taxis are now a regular feature in market districts mainly in the Kingston downtown and Coronation market areas.
Will Uncle Rally Smith managing director of Transport Authority ready to regulate those pushTaxi Carts.
A well-planned system would enhance mobility, reduce congestion, and support economic growth.
The partisan political to and fo talking is of no real progressive purpose.
A national transportation commission off the order of the world class.electoral commission.
This adhoc political platform approach is counterproductive.