The Minister of Education Dana Morris Dixon is describing attacks by the parliamentary opposition on the government’s Rural School Bus System, for which phase 1 will be rolled out in September, as baseless, “unfortunate and unhelpful”, particularly given the importance of the initiative to thousands of children and families across rural Jamaica.

Minister Dixon says she is particularly disappointed by remarks from Opposition Leader Mark Golding who used a political platform to disparage the buses as “old” and proposed that school children be transported by “di likkle man who have dem pro-box and AD wagon”.

The minister says equally disappointing is Opposition Senator Peter Bunting’s false and baseless allegation that the buses are being brought into Jamaica to “kill off di children”.

Dixon emphasised that the buses are purpose-built for student transport and are held to internationally recognised safety standards.

“Similar model buses are currently utilised in the United States and Canada. The buses are manufactured in accordance with the safety specifications of the US Department of Transportation, and they undergo a rigorous maintenance and inspection regime before and after arriving in Jamaica. Our students’ safety is our foremost priority.

“Upon arrival, each bus undergoes a comprehensive inspection and fitness testing consistent with international best practices, and they will be serviced regularly to ensure continued reliability,” Dixon continued.

The minister also highlighted that the buses will include modern features such as GPS tracking accessible by parents, speed limiters, onboard surveillance cameras, geofencing, and a cashless payment system, all designed to enhance security and convenience for both students and parents.

Dixon says Bunting’s false and egregious allegation about the buses being brought in to “kill off children” is particularly disturbing and should be immediately withdrawn.

“I sincerely hope that we can move the conversation forward in a manner that puts students and their families first. The Rural School Bus System is a critical investment in equity and access, especially for children living in remote areas who often face difficulties in attending school regularly. Policies and programmes must be grounded in facts. I hope the opposition can do the right thing and leave politics out of our children’s needs. Senator Bunting must withdraw his false statement”, Dixon said.