JTA takes Porus High audit to court

THE MANCHESTER Parish Executive of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) says it will be seeking advice from the court on the current handling of the audit done on Porus High School, which is headed by former JTA president Michael Stewart.

The parish executive that represents teachers in Manchester said it has confidence in Stewart's integrity and vowed to do all in its power to defend and protect his character.

"Be it resolved that the JTA seeks a ruling from the courts of the land as to whether the tuck shops operated by schools can become the subject of such scrutiny by the Ministry of Finance since this decision affects all schools, and subsequent decision to take over the tuck shops by the Ministry of Finance can result in a serious erosion of funds for school programmes not funded by the Ministry of Education, eg sports and breakfast programmes," the executive stated in a resolution on Monday.

Held accountable

The investigation which was conducted by the Public Accountability Inspectorate of the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service recommended that the principal of Porus High and the staff of the institution's tuck shop be held accountable for a $1.8-million shortfall in the tuck-shop account.

"And be it resolved that those who would attempt to taint his image and reputation by innuendos which can only result in lowering the morale of teachers will be recognised by the teachers and parents as enemies of the people and the education system," it added.

The parish executive decided to act on this matter after the findings of the audit were published first in Parliament without a copy being sent to the principal or the chairman of the school board.

The group also showed discontent that statements are being made and accusations levelled by both the minister of finance and the public service and minister of education, before a proper assessment and response could be given by the principal or the school Board.

It further said the approach by the Ministry of Finance significantly breached the principles of natural justice.

"It is reasonable to assume that the behaviour of the minister of finance and public service in Parliament is a deliberate attempt to victimise Mr Michael Stewart because he dared to defend the rights of the teachers to a just salary settlement during his presidency, and like many presidents before him, he dared to adhere to the first aim of the Jamaica Teachers' Association to promote the educational interests of the country ...," the release further stated.

The executive's response came days after the Central Executive of JTA expressed its full and unconditional support for Stewart.

The JTA said it was reported that Herbert Morrison Technical High School, of which the president-elect of the association is principal, is also slated for investigation, but no attempt to intimidate the leadership of the association will succeed.