Parent-teacher body regrets passing of footballer

THE EDITOR, Sir: THE NATIONAL ParentTeacher Association of Jamaica (NPTAJ) is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Dominic Alessandro James, the St George’s College Manning Cup Football Team captain who passed away yesterday afternoon during the STGC/Excelsior match at the National Stadium East. By the reaction of so many, Dominic was indeed loved by all those with whom he interacted.

We join with the nation in extending our sincere condolences to his parents, family, school, teammates, coaches and the football fraternity. He will surely be missed.

NAT’L SCHOOL BUS SYSTEM

The recent shooting of a public-passenger vehicle where students were injured together with the far too numerous to mention accidents involving public transportation, where students have either lost their lives, gotten injured and/or disabled brings into focus the urgent need more than ever for a national school bus system, a call made by the NPTAJ some years ago.

The NPTAJ is therefore issuing an urgent call for such a system to be put in place – one that can guarantee the safety and security of our children as they travel to and from school. This schooltransportation system will include certified transport operators as we are fully cognisant of the fact that the Government of Jamaica/Jamaica Urban Transit Company cannot provide the kind of service required.

We are also aware that there will be resistance from many, however, if we continue to engage all the stakeholders we are positive that such a system is indeed possible.

The NPTAJ stands ready to work towards this objective. EVERTON HANNAM JP President NPTAJ