JLP urge Contractor General to investigate MOE Bookmarkers breach

There's more controversy over the manufacturing of  bookmarkers which were slated to be distributed by the Ministry of  Education to schools as part of  Jamaica 50 celebrations.

Plans for their distribution were stalled after it was discovered that they contained a picture of  Education Minister Ronald Thwaites superimposed on the Jamaican flag.

In the latest development, the Parliamentary Opposition is calling for the Contractor-General to immediately conduct an investigation.

It wants answers on whether procurement guidelines were followed in the issuing of  the contract to produce the controversial bookmarkers.    

In a statement last night, Opposition Spokesman on Education, Marissa Dalrymple-Phillibert, said the probe is also necessary in the wake of  the refusal of  Acting Permanent Secretary in the Education Ministry, Grace McLean, to identify the manufacturer of  the souvenirs.

Mrs. Dalrymple-Phillibert said the public has a right to know the circumstances under which the bookmarkers were manufactured as tax dollars were involved.

The Opposition Spokesperson added that the Ministry of  Education has a duty to teach students about the importance of  reverence for national symbols especially against the background of  the plan to re-introduce civics in schools.

She is also demanding answers from the Education Ministry on the amount of money spent to manufacture the bookmarkers.

Earlier this week, Education Minister Ronald Thwaites dissociated himself from the controversy.

In an interview with our news centre on Wednesday Mr. Thwaites said he was not aware of the bookmarkers being printed in breach of  protocol governing the use of  national symbols.

     Miss McLean has stated that the bookmarkers were printed in error but has not disclosed how this occurred.

     Opposition Leader Andrew Holness has written to the Prime Minister seeking her intervention in the matter.