Congratulations must be extended to the opposition spokesman on education, Senator Basil Waite, and the president of the University of Technology Students Union who on Monday were successful in their talks with the officials at the University of Technology (UTech) to reconsider the decision to deregister almost 700 delinquent students.

It came as a distress and shock to the students involved when they were informed on November 18 of the deregistration exercise. At this point, several students involved made attempts to pay the fees outstanding but were turned away by the university. While we understand the responsibilities of the university to ensure proper enrolment, this decision was arguably a bit too harsh considering the number of students involved and the current economic challenges.

Various outcries

The various outcries by different people at various levels must be acknowledged. But it was a press release from the People's National Party on November 23 titled 'Delinquent UTech students get reprieve' that gave hope to the students involved.

This 72-hour reprieve gave students the opportunity to honour the outstanding amounts owed to the university, allowing them to continue their studies and sit end-of-semester exams in December. Students were also asked to pay a late fee of $5,000 to the university.

Education is a major contributor to the development and expansion of the Jamaican economy and the further we delay its increase, the farther we push back our development economically.

I encourage our leaders to continue stressing the importance of education to the society, but also match that with actions as exemplified by Senator Basil Waite and his team.

I am, etc.,

OROYO EUBANKS

oroyoryan@hotmail.com