BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE Ministry of Education has been accused of using the transfer of teachers as punishment against those who have stood firm in calling for the environmental issues at the Basseterre High School (BHS) to be resolved.
President of the St. Kitts Teacher’s Union (SKTU) Bishop Ron Collins told SKNVibes that the Union has been made aware that plans are afoot to have teachers transferred, possibly as early as the commencement of the upcoming school year in September, 2014.
And according to unconfirmed reports, Principal of the BHS Carlene Morton is among those slated for transfer.
“...It is...our belief, it is being used as a punitive action against teachers...who stood on a matter on principle on the Basseterre High School issues, teachers who had reported their illnesses. We believe it is being clouded in this supposedly good measure to empower schools and to actually punish teachers in other schools to, who are very strong advocates for the Union.
“We have every reason to believe so. Teachers have heard Ministry officials make various statements in this regard and we are very troubled by it and so this mass transfer...” Collins expressed yesterday (Jul. 18) at the SKTU’s press conference.
The Union President said the body understands and accepts the Ministry of Education’s right to effect transfers but expressed the concern that “when it is done like this it does not support the right of an individual and individuals to unionize. It is our constitutional right to speak to issues...”
Speaking to the seriousness of the situation, Collins reminded that the fight is not about procuring “chalk or resources” but rater it is one more serious in nature, which involves the health of the students and teachers of the BHS.
“And if we are being punished for a health issue, well Lord help us if we raise something else. But on this particular issue, we will not back down this time... We believe that the transfers are our punishment for speaking out on behalf of the best interest of students families at their school.”
A number of attempts were made to contact Minister of Education the Hon. Nigel Carty to get his comments on the SKTU’s allegations but the calls have gone unanswered.
