Denise Clarke Staff Reporter WESTERN BUREAU:

Prime Minister Patterson (centre) arriving last night at the PNP rally.

GOVERNMENT WILL gradually phase out the education cost-sharing programme, and pay tuition fees in full for needy students by 2005, Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, President of the People's National Party (PNP), announced last night.

In an obvious response to the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP) campaign platform of free education for all, which he described as "hijacking", Mr. Patterson unveiled a massive plan to reduce the cost of education.

Addressing thousands of PNP supporters at a mass rally in Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay, he committed his Government to pay the examination fees for students sitting some subjects at the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) level starting this academic year, and the forgiveness of student loans for teachers in training.

"Cost-sharing will disappear at the secondary level," Mr. Patterson told more than five thousand jubilant supporters.

He said Government will begin a gradual phase-out of the cost-sharing programme next year, by increasing its allocation to the programme, and decreasing the amount to be paid by each parent.

Government will also pay the examination fees for students sitting English, mathematics, information technology and science CXC subjects.

"It is a tribute to the record of the PNP that the JLP out of desperation is seeking to engage in this hijacking," the PNP leader declared. "We have charted a steady course from which we will not be diverted or derailed. We are sure we can sustain it."

At right: A section of the crowd in Sam Sharpe Square, MoBay.

He also announced a plan for five-year high school education for all secondary-age students beginning in 2003, and committed to having 100 per cent enrolment in basic schools by 2004.

The candidates for St. James and Hanover were presented at last night's rally where Mr. Patterson again cautioned his supporters to be on their mark for the fast approaching elections.

The candidates are Hugh Solomon, West Central St. James; Gordon Brown, North West St. James; Donald Colomatti, East Central St. James; Derrick Kellier, South St. James; Lloyd Hill, Eastern Hanover and Ralston Anson, Western Hanover.

PHOTOS BY PATRICK CAMPBELL/Freelance Photographer