It would be expected that a country whose history demonstrates the injustices of slavery for centuries, would produce descendants who are accepting of people's differences. But, this is not the case in Jamaica where descendants of slaves tend to forget that during earlier years, the majority Black population was denied many social services and opportunities well after the abolition of slavery because of the color of their skin. Many may not remember or have knowledge of the fact that up to the early 1960's, dark-skinned Jamaicans could not obtain jobs at major corporations especially if the position required them to serve the public. Therefore, it is a sad state of affair when Ruel Reid and others in top positions at the Ministry of Education are heard expressing adamantly that even if a teacher is qualified, he or she would not be hired if that applicant has a tattoo. Ruel Reid and those education administrators who are decrying tattooed teachers have conveniently forgotten or have no clue that in years gone by, they too would be denied a job not because of their qualifications but as a result of the color of their skin. How quickly they forget their history! But, wonder if such tattoo policies are extended to foreign Cuban teachers?
Tattooed Teachers Lash Education Minister
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