Partnerships Do More to Raise More – PM Holness
Acknowledging that the budgetary allocation of Government to schools is limited, the Prime Minister noted that Associations can assist with specific projects at the institutions.
“What the Government gives to the education system, certainly to the traditional high schools is not enough, we will be the first to tell you. What we do try [to do] however is to give you enough to maintain a minimum and uniformed standard across the education system, but schools have by their own resources and effort, have managed to use the little that the Government gives. Raise more to do more and we encourage schools to do that,” said Prime Minister Holness.
The Prime Minister was speaking at the Opening of the Ashenheim Stadium at Jamaica College on Wednesday, February 20.
Jamaica College was gifted an (8) eight-lane running track courtesy of past student, Michael Ashenheim and the Ashenheim family who are past students. The facility is a multi-purpose stadium which is a project emanated from the Old Boys Association and the Board of management of the school.
Prime Minister Holness said the donation is in keeping with the “spirit of enterprise and the spirit of philanthropy” in Jamaica and commended the Ashenheim family for their contribution.
“The spirit of enterprise and the spirit of philanthropy is still alive and well in Jamaica and that your family without second thought, decided to make this contribution to the Jamaican people; is something that I personally want to commend you for,” said Prime Minister Holness.
The Prime Minister said he expects great things from Jamaica College.
“I’m expecting that Jamaica College will be producing many athletes now who will probably be performing on the Olympic stage and gaining Jamaica more medals but more than that, it will reach the average student who will now have the facilities to develop their skills,” stated Prime Minister Holness.
In the meantime, the Prime Minister added his commendations to the Old Boys Association.
“Congratulations to Jamaica College, I know it (The Ashenheim Stadium) will serve the students here well. It will serve Jamaica well and I encourage others to make the same kind of contribution,” said Prime Minister Holness.