Minister of Education Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers announced the development today on social media.
“When I was first elected to office a young man turned to me and asked, how can the Head of the Ministry of Education wear locs, but the students in the system can’t? The truth is that children are watching. They’ve always been watching and they are now finding their voices to express what they believe,” Kentish-Rogers stated on Instagram.
“Everything takes time. At this time we have been able to change the National Code of Discipline and Dress to reflect the changing attitudes towards hair globally and within our community. This change will outpace most Caribbean territories who still require permission for wearing locs to school.”
The new hair code states:
- Braids, locs, twists, weaves, wigs, cornrows and other extensions may be worn by girls, but if they pass shoulder length must be tied up.
- Locs, twists, afros, cornrows are permitted for boys.
- Spiky hair styles are not allowed.
- Hairstyles that distract or obstruct the normal view of others will not be permitted.
- Students must always keep their hair clean.
- Hair colour should be one solid colour, your natural hair colour.
