BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE St. Kitts Teachers Union (SKTU) has thrown its support behind Principal of the Basseterre Senior High School (BHS) Carlene Morton, who may face disciplinary action for opting not to attend a meeting to deal with concerns of environmental safety at the school, among other things.
The meeting - SKNVibes understands - took place on April 29, 2014 and was one for Ministry officials to discuss the implementation of a shift system to accommodate students and teachers of BHS at other learning institutions while their school was closed owing to safety concerns.
According to a WINNFM report, as a show of solidarity with her teachers who were not represented at the meeting, Morton declined to attend. The media house also stated that Morton said she was advised not to be a no-show, but rather go to the meeting and explain why she would not sit in.
The report further stated that she took the advice and indicated to the Acting Minister of Education, the Hon. Marcella Liburd, that, with respect, she would not be staying for the meeting if the Union was not represented. She subsequently left.
The report indicated that because of her actions, Morton now “has until Tuesday (July 1) to explain in writing why she should not be brought before a Disciplinary Committee.
SKNVibes contacted Bishop Ron Collins - President of the SKTU - concerning this matter and he clearly indicated that the Union would be standing behind and give full support to Morton in this matter.
“Our position is that Mrs. Morton acted properly...well in order, and the events that unfolded prior to that day support the decision that she took. And she is fully supported by the Teacher’s Union which stands ready to provide the necessary support to her...”
Collins was asked what support would be given if it becomes necessary to do so, and he explained that that decision would have to be made by the Union General Council.
“That would be decided by the Union General Council, which is the highest level of authority outside of a biennial conference, and they will make that decision. They are the ones who have the power to determine what course of action we would take in support of Mrs. Morton. But I can tell you offhand, we have already indicated that we will fully support and give representation to Mrs. Morton in this whole process.”
SKNVibes made attempts to contact Minister of Education the Hon. Nigel Carty in reference to this issue but the calls went unanswered.
