Written by Markelia Rumble & Myesha Broadie

The Jamaica Teachers Association, (JTA) has called a meeting with its action committee this morning to determine the way forward as it relates to the Jamaica Teaching Council, (JTC) Bill.

The meeting is for 11 o’clock.

After 21 years of deliberation, the JTC Bill, which is aimed at regulating the teaching profession, was approved by the senate on Friday, April 25 with 38 amendments.

It is expected to return to the Lower House for further approval before being sent to the Governor General.

Once enacted, the legislation will give unregistered teachers two years to register with the JTC.

Yesterday, JTA President Dr. Mark Smith said educators will not accept the bill in its current form.

He said the association stands ready to take all possible actions to halt what he called a travesty.

Dr. Smith is urging policymakers to adopt the necessary amendments put forward by the JTA and other stakeholders since 2014 to ensure that the final version of the bill genuinely supports and uplifts the teaching profession.

Meantime, Secretary-General Dr. Mark Nicely said both major political parties must work together to fix the bill.