JTA'S ANNUAL REPORT 2002 - 2003
Prepared by : Secretary General Dr. Adolph Cameron

1. INTRODUCTION
The Association operates in an environment characterized by significant changes in all aspects of national life. Many of these changes are as a result of those that are taking place in the larger regional and international environments. The impact of globalization continues to reverberate throughout the economy as we attempt to make the adjustments consequent on the shifts that have taken place in the world environment and the establishment of the new international economic order.

Other issues the country had to grapple with include the increasing levels of crime and violence in the society and its possible link to the trade in narcotics; the increasing incidence of school violence; the rise in the incidence of HIV/AIDS among children and young people and the general deterioration in values and attitudes.

The conference is taking place under the theme - "Promoting Positive Values and Attitudes Through Education". This theme was selected because the Association felt it was critical for it to be part of the thrust to stem the slide into anarchy that seems very evident with the continuing breakdown in acceptable norms of behaviour. As a country, we need to be united on this issue that is the foundation on which a humane society is built. The school and teachers are critical to the success of efforts contemplated. We hope that schools and teachers will be models of the behaviours that we expect of children and young people to display. But the efforts of the schools will be of little effect unless they are supported by parents and others in the wider society.

The Association records its thanks and appreciation to the President, Mrs. Sadie Comrie, for her leadership of the Association during the year. It was a most challenging period given the issues related to the protracted salary negotiations.

Thanks also to the President Elect, Mr. Wentworth Gabbidon and Immediate Past President, Mr. Paul Adams for their support to the President and to the activities and programmes undertaken by the Association. Best wishes to Mr. Gabbidon as he steps up to the block and takes the baton to run his leg of the race and makes his contribution to the work of the Association and the efforts to improve the welfare and status of teachers in Jamaica.

Download the full report