Jamaica College’s Acting Principal Finally Confirmed as Headmaster
Wayne Robinson, the long-time acting principal of Jamaica College (JC), has finally been confirmed as headmaster of the all-boys’ institution in St Andrew.
Confirmation and Effective Date
Robinson’s confirmation was made effective by the Ministry of Education from September 1, 2022, according to Board Chairman Lance Hylton.
School Community’s Reaction
“The entire Jamaica College school community is ecstatic at this long-awaited development as Robinson…. has led the school with distinction and excellence,” he said in a press statement.
Background on Robinson’s Appointment
Robinson, 61, has served as JC’s acting principal since March 2016, following the departure of former principal Ruel Reid, who took special leave to assume the role of education minister.
Reid’s Controversy
However, instead of becoming one of the most successful ministers in Jamaica, Reid chose the life of a political criminal in one of the biggest scandals that Jamaica has seen.
Following the allegations, Reid was resigned from both the Ministry and the Senate and a full investigation, led by the Financial Investigations Division (FID) and the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA), was launched against the former education minister.
Teachers’ Services Commission Concerns
The Teachers’ Services Commission, responsible for senior appointments within the education system, initially raised concerns in May 2022, noting that Robinson “does not have three years of service as a trained teacher in a public educational institution.”
JC Board’s Response
In response, the JC board highlighted an October 2019 letter from Dr Kasan Troupe, who was then acting Chief Education Officer, stating that Robinson had attained trained graduate status based on his master’s degree from Western Carolina University in the United States.
Resolution and Appointment
Hylton also said the issues surrounding Robinson’s qualification were “resolved” and pointed to Troupe’s October 2019 letter. “They (ministry) had confirmed from then that his qualifications …were beyond the requirements.”
About Robinson
Robinson, a long-time educator, is a director and former principal of Quality Academics, a private educational institution.
Conclusion
The confirmation of Wayne Robinson as headmaster of Jamaica College is a significant milestone in the institution’s history. Despite initial concerns from the Teachers’ Services Commission, the Ministry of Education has approved his permanent appointment.
FAQs
Q: When was Robinson’s confirmation as headmaster effective?
A: Robinson’s confirmation was made effective by the Ministry of Education from September 1, 2022.
Q: Why did the Teachers’ Services Commission raise concerns about Robinson’s qualification?
A: The commission initially raised concerns because Robinson did not have three years of service as a trained teacher in a public educational institution.
Q: How did the JC board respond to the commission’s concerns?
A: The JC board highlighted a 2019 letter from Dr Kasan Troupe, which confirmed Robinson’s trained graduate status based on his master’s degree from Western Carolina University.