Opposition wants Davis out as head of teachers' body
Published:Tuesday | April 26, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Nadisha Hunter, Staff Reporter
The Opposition People's National Party (PNP) has renewed its call for Education Minister Andrew Holness to rescind the appointment of Alphansus Davis as chairman of the Teachers' Services Commission (TSC) .
Senator Basil Waite, opposition spokesman on education, yesterday argued that Davis could not be asked to investigate himself should a governance issue arise at Edwin Allen High, where he was recently appointed chairman of the board of governors, or Spaldings Primary, where, up until recently, he served as chairman.
"This development has strengthened the Opposition's call for the minister to rescind Mr Davis' appointment as this is further evidence of the conflict of interest that exists on so many levels," said Waite.
Davis is an adviser to Holness and an active player in the education sector.
Davis' appointment has resulted in much controversy with the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) and the PNP opposing his selection.
The JTA had said that while it was not questioning his competence, it perceived the appointment as a conflict of interest, given that Davis is a senior adviser to the minister.
The JTA had further indicated that it would withdraw its members from the TSC until the minister overturned his decision to appoint Davis as chairman.
Davis has since said he will go ahead and serve the TSC, as to not accept would mean he agreed with the JTA's position.
Waite said the Opposition viewed the scenario as regrettable, especially the manner in which a veteran of the education sector has been unwittingly drawn into this imbroglio as a result of the minister's action.
"It is unfortunate that the minister's ill-advised action and continued stubbornness has led to this impasse with the JTA," Waite said.
"It is clear the minister has misinterpreted the spirit of the powers given to him under the clauses of the Education Act relating to the TSC.
"An appreciation of the importance of social dialogues, instead of oneupmanship, will go a far way in resolving this dispute," said Waite.