War of words over pending lawsuit opens JTA’s annual conference

WESTERN BUREAU: Tensions erupted today between the Jamaica Teachers' Association's (JTA) outgoing president Leighton Johnson and the organisation's president-elect for 2025, Mark Malabver, over discussions about past president La Sonja Harrison's pending lawsuit against the association.

The war of words broke out during the first day of the JTA's 60th annual conference at the Ocean Coral Spring Hotel in Trelawny, when Johnson commented on Harrison's lawsuit following a report from the JTA's secretary general Dr Mark Nicely.

“We can confirm that a courtesy copy of a fixed date claim for an affidavit was served on our offices on July 10, 2024. Since being served with the document, we have retained legal counsel…based on advice that we have been given, ladies and gentlemen, we do indicate that this is a matter for us to defend,” Johnson told the meeting.

But Malabver objected on a point of order that it was not appropriate for Johnson to comment on the lawsuit at that time.

“I want to urge you not to speak any further and to stand on the point of order which was raised. This is the secretary general's report, and as such, that is what we ought to be accepting [focusing on],” Malabver argued.

But Johnson testily countered, “The secretary general did indicate in his report that there is a matter for the president to address. The matter is not up for discussion. I am simply presenting the legal opinions as sought from our attorneys. That is what we are presenting updates on at this time.”

Malabver clapped back, “With the greatest of respect, Mr President, you are not presenting legal opinion; you are presenting your own opinion.”

“Mr Malabver, you are misleading the conference!” Johnson said angrily, even as the JTA delegates let out a chorus of “no” in response.

Malabver then walked out of the meeting. He, however, returned some time later.

The media representatives in attendance were removed from the meeting room moments later.

Harrison's lawsuit, which was filed in July this year, contends that the JTA's special delegates' decision to accept a salary offer from the Government, during a virtual meeting in March 2023, was in breach of the JTA's constitution.

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