Nigel Clarke is a product of Jamaican education system

THE EDITOR, Madam:

In our National Pledge, we commit to working diligently and creatively to advance the welfare of the whole human race. I believe Nigel Clarke’s service to the people of Jamaica in several key roles, including as minister of finance, and his appointment as a deputy managing director at the International Monetary Fund exemplifies this promise.

Dr Clarke’s accomplishment is even more significant considering that much of his education took place in Jamaica. Even as we lament the poor performance of our students in regional examinations, his success serves as a reminder of the potential that can be unlocked when we get education right.

It is crucial that we continue to prioritise literacy and numeracy as the cornerstones of student success. Samuel McDaniel’s call to focus on mastering the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic at the primary level is one that should not be overlooked. While there is much we want our children to learn, without these fundamental skills they lack the solid foundation needed for further achievement. Clarke himself is a product of a simpler time, when the Common Entrance Exam – taken in a single day – focused on just three areas: mathematics, English, and mental ability.

Dr Clarke’s appointment celebrates the educators and the educational system that nurtured his talent at every stage. However, it must also serve as a reminder of the pressing need to address the challenges within our education system, ensuring that more children can aspire to greatness.

MARIA MUTIDJO

Principal

St Richard’s Primary School