Jamaican teachers honored for service following Hurricane Melissa
Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon (right), presents the Edith Dalton-James Award to an educator, Devoney Chambers, during the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) 62nd Annual Conference Awards Ceremony at Ocean Coral Spring Hotel in Trelawny on Tuesday (August 18).
Key Points(5)
- Jamaican teachers who went above and beyond to support students and communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa have been honored at the Jamaica Teachers’ Association’s (JTA) 62nd Annual Conference.
- Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information Dana Morris Dixon praised the educators for their dedication during an awards ceremony at Ocean Coral Spring Hotel in Trelawny on Tuesday, August 18.
- Morris Dixon said the response of teachers to the hurricane demonstrated that the strength of Jamaica’s education system depends not only on its infrastructure but also on the people who keep it functioning during times of crisis.
- “An award can never fully capture the value of the lives you have influenced.
- Jamaica sees you, appreciates you and values your contributions,” she said.
Jamaican teachers who went above and beyond to support students and communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa have been honored at the Jamaica Teachers’ Association’s (JTA) 62nd Annual Conference.
Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information Dana Morris Dixon praised the educators for their dedication during an awards ceremony at Ocean Coral Spring Hotel in Trelawny on Tuesday, August 18.
Morris Dixon said the response of teachers to the hurricane demonstrated that the strength of Jamaica’s education system depends not only on its infrastructure but also on the people who keep it functioning during times of crisis.
“An award can never fully capture the value of the lives you have influenced. Jamaica sees you, appreciates you and values your contributions,” she said.
The minister highlighted the work of educators in some of the communities hardest hit by the hurricane.
At Maud McLeod High School in Westmoreland, Principal Beverley Feare personally delivered learning materials to students each week while transforming the school into a center of community support, Morris Dixon said.
She also recognized Principal of Petersfield Primary School Dr. Susan Rattray-Hammond for continuing to teach children to read despite the devastation caused by the storm.
At St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS), the school’s generator was used to supply water to residents in surrounding communities, the minister said.
Morris Dixon said the hurricane recovery effort should be used as an opportunity to strengthen Jamaica’s education infrastructure rather than simply restore what existed before the disaster.
“We must not simply restore what existed before. We must use this opportunity to build better,” she said.
The minister warned that Jamaica cannot afford to rebuild schools only for them to be damaged or destroyed by future disasters.
Morris Dixon also thanked outgoing JTA President Mark Malabver for his service and congratulated newly installed President La Sonja Harrison.
She pledged continued collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the JTA to advance the welfare of teachers and improve their working conditions.
“I do look forward to working with you and your team in a spirit of constructive engagement as we continue the important work of strengthening Jamaica’s education sector,” Morris Dixon said. “Teaching is one of the most consequential professions in our society, and so tonight, it is important that we celebrate.”
Teachers recognized for service
Harrison described the award recipients as exemplary educators whose contributions extend beyond their schools and into churches, communities and civic organizations.
She said teachers consistently serve in critical roles across Jamaica’s social institutions, including electoral bodies, community organizations and churches.
“Tonight we recognize your sacrifice, selfless service, and stewardship,” Harrison said.
She reminded teachers that their ultimate reward comes from God and encouraged them to continue serving their students, colleagues and country with humility and faith.
Awards presented during the ceremony included the WBC (Ben) Hawthorne Award, the Edith Dalton-James Award, the Fay E. Saunders Award, the Anglin Jones Award and a Special Award.
The JTA’s annual conference is being held from August 18-20 under the theme, “Reformation Now: Rebuilding a Resilient Education System Buoyed by the Eternal Father and Unrelenting Unionism.”
