MOE to investigate withholding of gov't-paid textbooks claims against school

The Education Ministry is to investigate claims that a school in Trelawny has refused to give government-paid textbooks to students who did not pay so-called contributory fees.

Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Maurice Smith gave the indication this morning following a complaint by Trelawny Southern Member of Parliament, Marissa Dalrymple Philibert.

The MP is a member of the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee of Parliament which is currently meeting with the Education and Youth Ministry at Gordon House.

Dalrymple Philibert did not name the school, but said she received reports this week that students were being denied books under the Government's book rental scheme because contributory fees were not paid.

Smith said the ministry will look into the reports and noted that if they are true the school would be in breach of Government guidelines.

Just last week the Ministry had to reprimand Peters field High after reports emerged that a boy was turned out because of the non-payment of contributory fees.

The Government abolished auxiliary fees this school year, but allowed schools to charge a contributory fee from parents.

However, while parents are encouraged to contribute, the Government said children whose parents cannot do so must not be discriminated against.