JTA president says no to political interference

Carl Gilchrist, Gleaner Writer

The impasse between the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) and the Ministry of Education over the appointment of Alphansus Davis as chairman of the Teachers' Services Commission (TSC) seems far from over.

Following the stance of his predecessor, Nadine Molloy, new JTA president Paul Adams has come out swinging.

Speaking at his investiture ceremony Monday night in Ocho Rios, St Ann, Adams said the JTA must rid the TSC of any potential conflict of interest or intended political interference.

The JTA and the Ministry of Education have been at loggerheads over the appointment of Davis, calling the appointment a conflict of interest as Davis is also senior adviser to the education ministry.

At the same time, Adams has also recommended that the operations of the Jamaica Teaching Council, which is proposed to license Jamaica's teachers, be put on hold until it is given legal credentials.

Adams said one of the main concerns that led to the formation of the JTA in 1964 was the perception of political interference and victimisation.

He said the association, at this point in its history, remains strong and resolute in its mandate.

"It was never intended that the commission would be chaired by any sitting JTA president, a member of Central Executive, or any political party, any senator or opposition spokesman, or any adviser to a minister of government. This also has the potential for conflict of interest or intended political interference," Adams stated.

Sending the wrong signal

He added: "The JTA recommends that we go back to the first principles and rid the Teachers' Services Commission of any potential conflict of interest or intended political interference. To have these two bodies with such sensitive terms of reference headed by advisers to the minister of education sends the wrong signal and could defeat the purpose they serve. This situation could expose both bodies to political abuse, the exact situation they were set up to avoid."

Speaking to the issue of the teaching council, Adams said based on its modus operandi, the Jamaica Teaching Council seeks to change the terms and conditions of the employment status of teachers by proposing the licensing of teachers as a requirement to practise in the Jamaican education system.

But, he said: "Given that the JTC is not a legal entity, it has no authority on which to operate and should remain static until and if it is given legal status. And this is the position of the JTA. Notwithstanding that, however, we need to address the issues of licensing teachers."

Regarding the licensing of teachers, Adams questioned how the process would work.

"How would a teacher get a licence? Will it have a lifespan, and how would it be renewed, and what are the terms and conditions of the renewal process, and at what cost?" He also questioned who would be authorised to issue the licences.