“If there is anyone fighting for teachers at this time, it’s the Opposition!”

That’s the declaration from Spokesperson on Education, Senator Damion Crawford.

It followed a comment by President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, Dr. Mark Smith, that educators should not be divided, as both major political parties have a personal stake in the Jamaica Teaching Council Bill (JTC).

Dr. Smith was speaking at the Association’s National Education Week Church Service yesterday.

Speaking at the People’s National Party’s Knockpatrick Divisional Conference last night, Senator Crawford said he was surprised and hurt by Dr. Smith’s comments.

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.