Opposition Spokesperson on Education, Senator Damion Crawford is calling for a more structured and attractive teacher retention plan with initiatives that better meet the needs of Jamaica’s educators.

He says the government must take greater action to address key issues and ensure improved working conditions and access to life-enhancing amenities such as a vehicle, and home ownership.

He also proposed that teachers should qualify for specific concessions every five years with benefits increasing the longer they remain in the profession.

For housing, he suggested enhanced loans that convert to higher-interest terms if teachers leave the classroom — a move aimed at discouraging early exits.