KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) has chided Minister of Education, Senator Ruel Reid over the naming of some schools that he accused of corruption and extortion in the charging of auxiliary fees.

In a media release today, the JTA said the “unfortunate” comments will serve no useful purpose than to create animosity and confrontation and could also destroy the integrity of schools’ boards and administrators.

The association further recommended that the minister withdraws his “unfortunate statements and encourage continued dialogue and consultations with the schools in order to arrive at an amicable resolution to the issues at hand”.

JTA said it “cannot, and will not condone any action that deprive students of their education and would therefore urge school administrators to do all in their powers to ensure that the relationship with the parents and community as well as the MoE, Youth and Information and other stakeholders remain cordial.”