What of Gov't's responsibility?

THE EDITOR, Sir:

THE MORALITY of teachers has been brought into question by some immoral person claiming to be a teacher who clearly has no knowledge of the hard work and sacrifices that teachers make.

The minister of finance has also sought to mislead the country that teachers were striking for more pay when he knew that was not the case. He has also accused teachers of not producing students who can contribute to the growth of the economy, but my question to him is: Who is responsible for producing the many students at the University of the West Indies who are now contemplating migration because there is no growth in the country to guarantee them jobs?

What responsibility does the Government take for the failure of students whose parents are jobless and cannot send them to school five days per week, or who cannot provide them with regular and nutritious meals so they can function normally? And what of the students who have learning disabilities because they were born malnourished due to poverty?

If teachers are not deserving of the money that they are owed because of students failing the CSEC exams and the Grade Four Numeracy Test, are our political representatives deserving of their salaries and perks after failing an entire country so miserably?

When I listen to the minister speak, I am tempted to agree with him had I not known that many past students speak with arrogance when they find themselves in positions better than their teachers.

I am, etc.,

ELAINE BURRELL

abiselaine1@yahoo.co.uk

Kingston