No More tams for Rastafari males students in Jamaica, technology use continues.

Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

#Jamaica, August 29, 2023 – Jamaica is taking strides in becoming a more progressive nation, keeping up with the times as male Rastafarian students will no longer be required to hide their dreadlocks with the wearing of tams to school.  This was announced by Fayval Williams, the Minister of Education.

She was speaking at the Jamaica Teachers’ Association’s 59th Annual Conference’s Official opening and investiture ceremony, held at the Royalton Negril Resorts and Spa.

In her remarks, she alluded to her travels to various schools where he saw males wearing tams, expressing that things must change and that respect must be given to Rastafari beliefs.

“There have been a few times that I’ve gone to schools and I see boys, maybe not more than one or two in a particular school, boys, wearing tams to school to cover their locks.  This is 2023 we really, really should not be doing that anymore.  We need to respect other people’s religion,” she maintained.

This stipulation is part of a new draft of the dress and grooming policy, set to be published ahead of the 2023/2024 academic year.

However, needless to say, proper grooming and hygienic practices are still to be employed as pointed out by the Minister.

She said, “Yes, we need to say to our students you have to ensure that your hair is clean and so forth.  But come on, you shouldn’t have to cover your hair unless that’s what your religion calls for.”

Additionally, she informed that the policy is in draft format so that institutions can sample it and give their feedback before it is finalized.

Furthermore, she made mention of the use of technology in schools, that is ebooks for public secondary schools, highlighting that this marks the 3rd year since their distribution and that they “remain committed to continue” their introduction to the education system.

She pointed to statistics saying that in 2023, ebooks for grades 7 to 11 include, Principles of Accounts, Principles of Business, Integrated Science and English Language, which are available for teachers and students, adding that she looks forward to the teachers’ and students’ positive use of technology.

Williams also called attention to the need for internet connectivity in schools, expressing that they are “committed to deliver on the promise, to have broadband connectivity for all schools across the island,” and that they are “well on the way,” making sure to inform that it’s not to say all schools have broadband internet connectivity.  She added, reassuring the education professionals present, that they are close to the halfway mark for schools connected, with the use of a number of different technologies.

She said some schools closer to the Government’s Fiber Optic cables are being connected. Other schools are being connected with microwave technology and satellite technology.