No Discipline In Schools Means No Future For Jamaica

Joseph Williams,
Principal.

St. James High was a tough school with major disciplinary issues. Gangs infiltrated the school, and it was one of the worst-performing schools in St. James. A tough, no-nonsense principal took over the reins of leadership, and we have seen this school move from being the scum of society to one that is now a school of choice. 

I have spoken to past chairpersons of the school board, past students, teachers, and community members about this dramatic turnaround of a school. 

Many of us have declared that we love poor people, but if we really love poor people, the best we can do for them is to educate their children in an environment where there is law and order.

I said on a radio a few years ago that it would be just a matter of time before an ex-convict would be the Leader of the Opposition, the Prime Minister, and also the Governor General. We are certainly progressing fast on that highway.

Let me give you some examples of this frightening situation. There is one person in a top leadership position who assaulted another person, causing serious bodily harm to the individual. The wounded man ended up in the hospital. There are serious allegations about some of our leaders that are making the rounds on social media. There are sophisticated criminals, those charged with murder, and those who put on functions to benefit personally from these functions. We also have leaders who are ex-convicts. Word on the ground is that some are involved in the illegal ganja farming. We tend to target politicians for being corrupt because it suits us politically, but corruption runs through the country like a virus.

We can build a society with integrity, transparency, and honesty if we support those who stand up for these things. You will note that several persons continue to tear down principals and schools that make strong efforts to socialize our young people properly. You will remember the 'dunce bag' excitement at Aubuttnott Gallimore High School, the wearing of edges at St. Andrew High, and the character assassination of the St. James High principal, Joseph Williams.

Some media houses joined the cacophony of voices belittling the principal. Jamaica For Justice (JFJ led a scathing attack on the man. People need to understand that in this day and age, beautiful-sounding voices cannot run a school. Principal Williams has proven that. I am still waiting to hear the JFJ head commend the St. James High School administration (working without a functioning board) for the academic performance and the behaviour of its students. 

Since I wrote the last blog commending the St. James High community, the Gleaner has recognized the work of the school community. The Board Chairman of St. James High should be on all radio programmes commending the school for its performance. He was active on the media circuit, complaining about his principal. He has miraculously gone underground. They should declare him a person of interest.

Those who tear down our schools are tearing down the future of Jamaica. Some people should never serve on school boards, and some who chair these boards need to pack their bags and go. Under no circumstances should these persons be allowed to sit on a school board nor chair one.

Nationwide Radio was one of the stations that the chairman used to appear on regularly, spouting negative information about the principal and the school. Nationalwide Radio should now do a series of programmes about the miraculous turnaround of this school. The Department of Education at the UWI need to carry out research into St. James High. It could be a model that other schools could follow.

Please add your comments to this blog.

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