Education ministry knew of Ascot Primary gown policy before segregated graduation

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information was aware of Ascot Primary School's controversial graduation arrangements more than a week before the Portmore institution held its June 25 ceremony, yet its public condemnation issued on Sunday did not reveal that prior knowledge.

A letter dated June 15, 2026 — ten days before the event — was reportedly sent to the ministry's permanent secretary and the school's board chairman under the subject line "urgent intervention required discriminatory graduation policy and intimidation of parents." The correspondence challenged the school's claim that parents backed the plan.

According to the parent who wrote the letter, the principal told families that all pupils would graduate in uniform while only those who achieved academic excellence would wear gowns. Children who were not proficient in the 2026 Primary Exit Profile examinations were denied gowns and received different treatment at the ceremony. Parents who objected said they were discouraged from contacting the ministry, with one reportedly told that doing so "will only make the situation worse."

In a later statement, the ministry condemned the approach as inappropriate and inconsistent with equity and inclusion. Education Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon said every child matters and that PEP results must never determine whether a student feels worthy of marking a milestone. The principal apologised, saying, "Where any of my students have been wounded or scarred." Ministry officials admitted on Tuesday they had asked the principal to abandon the plan before the ceremony took place.

Scores of Jamaicans gathered in Crossroads in the Corporate Area for a Stand for Jamaica demonstration calling for stronger governance, transparency and adherence to the rule of law. Opposition Leader and PNP President Mark Golding cited the Integrity Commission's recommendation that Cabinet Minister Dr. Andrew Wheatley face illicit-enrichment charges, and urged Prime Minister Andrew Holness to ensure Wheatley steps down. Organisers also demanded that a deportation agreement be tabled in Parliament.

The People's National Party condemned the demolition of occupied homes in West Albion, St. Thomas, with the opposition spokesman on land urging the government to halt further removals until fair and transparent processes are established.

In Manchester, 200 DNA kits donated through an international partnership were handed over to police amid concerns about shortages affecting court proceedings. Nineteen justices of the peace were commissioned in Trelawny on Friday, bringing the parish total to 332, while Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck urged appointees to guard their integrity.

Parliament tabled the Economic and Social Survey Jamaica 2025, which recorded tourism surpassing pre-pandemic levels but warned of manufacturing weakness and youth unemployment. Police charged an alleged serial sex offender arrested in Gordon Hall, Epsom, St. Mary, with multiple offences, and a Monday blaze along King Street in Trelawny destroyed several businesses and left two people homeless.