Teachers Sound Alarm: Damion Crawford’s Extended School Day Proposal Sparks Backlash — Could Cost PNP the Election
Jamaica Live News Desk| July 26, 2025
A political firestorm is brewing in classrooms across Jamaica as teachers lash out against the People’s National Party’s (PNP) newly proposed education policies — particularly the suggestion by Opposition Spokesman on Education, Damion Crawford, to extend school days by two hours.
What was meant to be a bold education reform proposal may be turning into a full-blown political liability for the PNP, with many teachers now threatening to withdraw their support at the polls.
“Extending school hours?? You just drive di nail in PNP coffin. Nuh teacher nah go vote fi oonu now 🤣🤣🤣” one irate educator posted online, echoing sentiments that are rapidly spreading among the teaching community.
Another teacher, clearly fed up, wrote: “Damion, remember some teachers are parents too. Jeezam! We dead inna di show. Workload woulda kill wi. Lesson plan alone a mash wi up when we reach home. Bredda, we are human, not robots.”
Even previously politically neutral teachers are now reconsidering their stance. “Jesus save Jamaica from Damion. I affi go vote. I wasn’t going to, but as a teacher 😭” shared another.
Another viewer wrote, “Some serious mental health is needed for this dread. Egg dread ever hear of “burn out”?”
One viewer suggested Crawford is a comedian, “This dread is a real comedian. Listen for the back tracking tomorrow.”
The Proposal That Sparked the Backlash
At a press briefing on Thursday, Crawford declared that Jamaica’s education system is in crisis and the PNP is ready with an ambitious plan to rescue it. Citing steep declines in literacy and academic performance, Crawford pointed to troubling statistics:
- Grade Four Literacy has dropped from 86.5% in 2015 to 65.1% in 2024,
- Students passing five CXC subjects including Maths and English have declined from 28% in 2015 to 18% in 2024.
Crawford proposed a suite of reforms to combat the decline:
- Extending the school day from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM,
- Increasing teacher roles with form teachers calling five parents daily,
- Creating a new Department of Socialisation for behavioural issues,
- Introducing a Cost Plus school funding model,
- Expanding and improving the PATH lunch programme, increasing the daily allocation from $180 to $400 per student and reaching 246,000 students.
Teachers Say “Not So Fast”
While some of Crawford’s proposals — like boosting lunch funding and smaller class sizes — have received cautious support, it is the extended hours and increased workload that have triggered outright outrage.
Many teachers argue the proposals are unrealistic, demoralising, and out of touch with the lived experiences of educators already stretched thin by large classes, long hours, and inadequate compensation.
“Damion seems to think we’re machines. We already take our work home. This will just burn out more teachers and drive them out of the system, not fix it,” said a Kingston-based high school teacher who requested anonymity.
Political Fallout for the PNP?
As frustration mounts, some political analysts suggest this controversy could have serious electoral implications.
“Crawford’s intentions may be noble, but the rollout has been politically tone-deaf,” one campaign strategist told Jamaica Live. “Teachers are one of the most influential voting blocs in Jamaica. You don’t win elections by alienating them.”
Several educators online have already pledged to either abstain from voting or actively campaign against the PNP — a stark warning in an election season where every vote will matter.
Damion Crawford Defends the Plan
Crawford, however, remains resolute, insisting the proposals are necessary to bridge the achievement gap between high-performing and struggling schools.
“There is no magic wand to fix education,” he said. “These interventions are long overdue. Many children go home to empty houses and distractions. We must act now to give them a fighting chance.”
He also stressed that teachers will be paid for the additional hours and that the extended school days will be structured for both academics and social development, including clubs and reward days.
The Verdict?
The PNP’s education reform plan is bold and comprehensive — but it’s clear that messaging, timing, and teacher buy-in were not adequately addressed. While the crisis in Jamaica’s education system demands urgent action, the PNP may have underestimated just how fiercely protective teachers are of their workload, family time, and well-being.
With elections looming, the question is now whether the PNP will adjust its strategy — or whether this proposal will become the proverbial straw that breaks the campaign’s back.
🗳️ Should teachers work longer hours for more pay to fix Jamaica’s education system?
Or is the PNP out of touch? Sound off in the comments and share your views.