KINGSTON, Jamaica— Mayor of Kingston Andrew Swaby, during a visit to three schools on Read Across Jamaica Day, highlighted the importance of reading and educating students on the roles and responsibilities of public servants.

The day, which was observed on Tuesday, is to promote literacy and create a love for reading in children.

The Mayor said he visited Constitution Hill Primary and Infant School, Nannyville Early Childhood Centre and the Edward Seaga Primary School where he read to the children. However, Swaby said he was even more impressed with the questions the students asked.

“It was an excellent day, I read for the children and what was more important were the questions they asked after. They want to find out what’s the role of a mayor, what’s the role of a councillor, they asked some extremely good questions,” he said.

He added that based on the questions the students asked, it is evident that more initiatives where public servants visit schools and educate the students on the roles they play are necessary.

“They asked questions like ‘That means when we light gone sir is you put it on back?’ And I had to tell them ‘No, that’s the Jamaica Public Service that’s in charge of light and we work closely’. So I see the need for more of these activities where we go into the schools and help to educate the students on the role of the councillor,” Mayor Swaby said.

During his visit, the Mayor said he handed out book vouchers, courtesy of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) so the schools can purchase more books to add to their libraries, which will encourage the children to read more.

He also encouraged the past students and wider communities surrounding these schools to get more involved.

“I would encourage the community, and I want to encourage parents to participate more in their Parent-Teacher meetings and also for past students to get back active in the school. These teachers are doing a miraculous job, they just need help. Sometimes it’s just for them knowing that you are there for them is good enough,” Mayor Swaby urged.