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Ministry of Education Summons BSTU To Hastily Arranged Meeting Which Provoked ‘The Letter’

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Laurie King, Chief Education Officer

As promised BU produces the letter in its original form which the BSTU sent to the Chief Education Officer arising from a ‘secret meeting’ under his chairmanship. It does not matter how anyone tries to interpret the letter, to any competent person (counsel), the threat and inference is crystal clear. If one compares what is stated in the last paragraph of the letter attached to what was reported in the Nation today, “BSTU first vice-president Erskine Padmore said again yesterday that his members would resume work as scheduled pending the findings of the Waterman Commission Of Inquiry, set up to look into affairs at The Alexandra School.” The BU family can draw one sensible conclusion.

Can anyone explain anyway why the Chief Education Officer Laurie King held a secret meeting with the BSTU immediately following the COI – at a cost of $600,000.00 – which was expressly established to to make the AX Mess a transparent affair? Let us forget about the decision by Commissioner Waterman to hold the COI summations of counsel in camera.

BU raises AGAIN the question of conflict of interest by Keith Simmons, a member of the Public Service Commission – employer of those employed at Alexandra School – and also the chairman of the management committee of Alexandra School. When it was suggested to him by counsel that he was in conflict of interest in holding both those posts, he replied that he was not and if a conflict arose, he would recuse himself from one or the other. Why can’t he see his roles as being improper and that by holding both posts and being privy to confidential information from both, he is in conflict of interest? What manner of lawyer is entitled to wear silk in Barbados again?

  • See letter sent to Chief Education Officer Parts 1,2

The other issue about the Commission of Inquiry which bears close study is to examine its remit, i.e. to investigate matters that occurred in 2011 (a) the refusal of Amaida Greaves to teach for a long period of time; (b) the letter from the Principal complaining of this; and (c) the conduct of the Principal at Speech Day. For some reason best known to Commissioner Waterman the CIO directed itself to investigate a matter since 2002 by introducing a document (transcript) which is highly suspect based on information posted by BU.

BU ask Commissioner Waterman AGAIN why has the COI not produced the transcripts for the last 7 days of the hearing, which covers the matter of interest to Bajans? The matter about which our Fourth Estate went dark. The matter which raises the occurrence of perjury.

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  1. David Avatar
    David

    Barbados Today has posted some info on the Commissioner’s report. Based on information reaching BU last week we have decided to wait on the PM’s announcement before blogging about this matter.

    http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?EID=5e30bf35-07b5-48b5-b3b8-263c6db244cf

  2. Observing(...) Avatar
    Observing(…)

    what time’s the conference david?

  3. David Avatar
    David

    @Observing (…)

    According to BT an announcement is expected after Cabinet meeting today.

  4. Observing(...) Avatar
    Observing(…)

    Thanks. Testing time for the PM. Another make or break issue and from what I’m seeing public sentiment will be 70-85% against the report and attempts to justify the cost. We’ll see in a few hours.

  5. Absolutely amazed. Avatar
    Absolutely amazed.

    @ Observing .
    you damn fool how can you speak ” from what i am seeing ” when you have not seen the report ?Are you so comfortable in your stupidity ?

  6. Observing(...) Avatar
    Observing(…)

    @absolutely amazed

    Extremely comfortable. So much so I’ll leave you to review public sentiment on
    a) the Commission
    b) the AX saga on a whole
    c) specific players in the saga and
    d) the cost versus perceived returns

    My percentage may be a bit high but lump the separate issues into “general sentiment” and it may not be so far off.

    And you are absolutely correct. I should have said “from what I have seen (and observed)” rather than what “I am seeing.”

    With respect to my seeing the report… let’s say I did…would you be so caustic in your condemnation?

    thanks for the correction 🙂

    Just observing

  7. Absolutely amazed. Avatar
    Absolutely amazed.

    @ i shall gladly make an assessment AFTER HAVING HAD THE BENEFIT OF READING THE REPORT ; that assessment will not be based on any uninformed public sentiment . You admit that you are very comfortable in your stupidity so you may continue to make uninformed comment and draw wild conclusions .

  8. Observing(...) Avatar
    Observing(…)

    @absolutely
    I’ll absolutely await your assessment.

    …stupidity looks difference depending on which side of the knowledge coin you’re on.

    …my assessment has nothing to do “with” public sentiment, rather, “about”

    …conclusions aren’t wild when based on available facts and deductions

    …comments only seem uninformed to the ignorant

    …opinions are forged in the minds of imperfect man.

    …ignore my mote and you may find your beam.

    Just observing.

  9. ac Avatar
    ac

    HUH.

  10. Observing (...) Avatar
    Observing (…)

    don’t worry about it ac dear. we all wait with bated breath 🙂

  11. ac Avatar
    ac

    It..s already been played out in the media all that is left is PM confirmation unfortunately no one likes to lose but sometimes losers can be winners through redemption.those who have walked that road knows the pain that accompanies losing but by not being bitter and resentful the pain becomes replacing the hatred and bittereness with acceptance and a chance for restoring one,s dignity

  12. David Avatar
    David

    BU continues to wait. Two more days to go in the week though.

    Any and all communications from this government is painful.

    The PM promised the Nation he would address this matter this week, the week is almost done and nothing.

    It is simply disrespectful that the PM has to take everything to the baller.

  13. Observing(...) Avatar
    Observing(…)

    @ac
    To make this about “winning and losing”. is to completely miss all of the bigger pictures.

    @david
    You are absolutely correct, BUT, given the uproar over “stolen” documents, that can be given as reason and excuse. Acceptable? The public will decide.

  14. Ping Pong Avatar
    Ping Pong

    I wonder what the rank and file of the Barbados Union of Teachers thinks of the stance taken by its former President (now safely promoted) in this Alexandra matter ?

  15. David Avatar
    David

    Counsel for the BSTU really needs to keep President Redman under control going by the Nation newspaper report.

    Barbados Today by its headline has shown some insensitivity to Broomes.

    The government has not made its official known.

  16. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    David wrote “It is simply disrespectful that the PM has to take everything to the baller.”

    No it is not. He can take it to the last second. Anything after that is disrespectful.

    Broomes has to go. period.

    Make him Minister of Education without portfolio.

  17. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    and David if Bajans believe the PM is disrespecting them they can kick him to the curb next election.

    That is the beauty of free and fair elections.

    The PM does not walk and chew gum at the same time even though he can.
    One measured step at a time.

  18. yambait Avatar
    yambait

    The PM issued a statement last night. See it in the Advocate. Whether he will “speak” before the end of the week is his big secret

  19. David Avatar
    David

    @yambait

    No surprise it is buried in the Advocate which has low circulation.

    Will this government ever Lear about improving communications in 2012?

  20. ac Avatar
    ac

    Observing(…..)………..i think you miss my point but as usual . one i am not in the mood for gloating or grandstanding or i told you so moments my input was that of showing sensitivity to those who might not agree with the report while at the same time refelecting onthe times many have gone down that path including myself with a realisation that all is not lost as there are times when one think they have lost they actually win i speak out of conviction i,ve been there.

  21. Bdos Underground Talkshop Avatar
    Bdos Underground Talkshop

    “Though the mills of God grind slowly,
    yet they grind exceeding small;
    Though with patience he stands waiting,
    with exactness grinds he all.”

  22. Observing(...) Avatar
    Observing(…)

    Appreciate the explanation ac. I’ll await the PM’s address before comment. Rest assured though, it will be quite some time before the reconsiderations can be enacted and probably with many challenge(s), The broader pieces (political, labour etc.) will slowly start to fall into place and create an interesting overall puzzle for many years to come.

    Remember, a battle won does not a victory make.

    Just observing

  23. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    @ Observing
    “Remember, a battle won does not a victory make.”
    ****************
    ..Is this not more a case of “….out of a molehill a mountain make”

    Unless the commission establishes some fundamental basis on which its recommendations are based, this will all be a waste of time…. and even worse, would suggest the need for such a commission every time a union has a grievance.

    Someone needs to be in charge
    That person needs to have some kind of authority
    That person must be fully accountable.

    QED

  24. ac Avatar
    ac

    @observing(…) agree! however for those who might have lost it is important for them to pick up the pieces and move on in a positive direction making there distractors lok with awe and envy it can be done but one must first stop fighing the challenge and look beyond the outcome with a pure sense of dignity i believe it is not was taken but what you have given in the face of it all a defeat can be a lesson and a detour pointing one in the rght direction as nature had originally planned.

  25. Observing(...) Avatar
    Observing(…)

    @bushie
    We ain’t get to those arguments yet. We still waiting to hear the “main man” in charge to find out what’s going to happen with these 15 “recommendations.” I agree though, some will see it as a colossal waste of time and money since the commission CANNOT establish basis but only suggest.

    Given the current PSC backlog, the coming legal ones and the “slant” of the recommendations it’s hard to see how this can represent a resolution. Lots more money has to be spent before this is resolved.

    We wait with bated breath on Mr. PM. Herein lies the political aspect. Redman has already commented….erego the labour aspect of it. Time will tell and provide fodder for further comment.

    btw Bushie, can you imagine all de feckless employees in Barbados jumping for glee at this exact moment and plotting and scheming???

    Just observing

  26. Pat Avatar
    Pat

    @Observing

    This is what happens when decisions are made before the investigation. Now any employee, especially a teacher, can withdraw services, get paid and there will be no recourse, especially for the downtrodden taxpayer who pays the wages. Only in Bim does the union rule and tell the PM what they want him to do. At least, that is how many will see it, including moi.

    I hope Broomes sues for lots of moolah.

  27. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    @ Pat
    “Sueing for lots of moolah” is part of the scam in Barbados. The only beneficiaries are lawyers….the same crooks who designed the system…..and the complainant is made to suffer…

    It takes years (15-20). So even if successful, Broomes’ grandchildren will possibly collect the moolah and be able to buy a case of malts….just about, after the lawyers take their cuts.

    Meanwhile he will need to borrow money or sell his assets to make the legal payments (or represent himself)

    He represents himself at his peril, since the legals do not deal with outsiders – no matter how competent ( 🙂 especially if competent)

    Best for Broomes to take the little pension money and leave the whole bunch of jokers to themselves. A society ALWAYS gets exactly what it deserves…..and Bim is the capital of mediocrity.

  28. ac Avatar
    ac

    couldn’t agree with you more bushie! but as with the nature of man we hate to lose it is always someone elses fault. and fighting to get even is the only way we know how . Broomes can survive all this with just class and dinity. but what is the purpose in fighting the damage has already been done the only thing now is for broomes to heal physically and mentaly and get away from the glare of public scruntity and away from the advisers who are going to reap the sweets while he reaps the sour.of more condemnation and ridicule.

  29. David Avatar
    David

    PM issues statement on Alexandra

    Fri, November 02, 2012 – 8:45 AM

    On June 22, 2012, His Excellency the Governor-General appointed an Investigatory Commission of Inquiry into the administration of the Alexandra School because of problems which were said to be affecting the school since the year 2002.

    The Terms of Reference of the Commission were published in the Official Gazette on June 25, 2012 and Hon. Frederick Waterman, CHB, Q.C. was appointed sole Commissioner. He was assisted by Senior Legal Counsel, Milton Pierce; Legal Counsel, Michael Yearwood; and the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Donna Hunte-Cox.

    Mr. Vernon Smith, Q.C., in association with Mr. Cecil McCarthy, Q.C., appeared as legal counsel for the Principal of the Alexandra School; Mr. Hal Gollop appeared as legal counsel for the Barbados Secondary Teachers Union; and Mr. Guyson Mayers appeared as Legal Counsel for the Chairman of the Board of Management of the Alexandra School.

    The Commission conducted hearings from July 2 to August 27. Counsel made final submissions on August 29. Thirty-four (34) persons appeared as witnesses during the public hearings. The date for submission of the Report, originally set for August 31, had to be extended to September 21 because sessions were not completed until August 29.

    The Commissioner presented his report to the Governor-General on September 21 and the Governor-General forwarded a copy of the Report to the Prime Minister that same day. On Monday, October 22, the Cabinet considered the Report and its recommendations, and approved them for sending to the relevant agencies for appropriate action.

    Legal counsel for the Principal, the Barbados Secondary Teachers Union and the Chairman of the Board of Management each received a copy of the Report under confidential cover on Saturday, October 27, 2012.

    The 111 page Report has made fifteen (15) recommendations based on the evidence presented. The recommendations are essentially in three (3) categories, namely (i) legislative review, including specific recommendations in relation to the Education Act, Education Regulations and the Public Service Code of Conduct; (ii) management reorganization of the Ministry of Education, and implementation of the financial recommendations made by the Auditor General in 2006; and (iii) personnel issues including proposals for the reallocation of personnel, and specific action to be taken regarding discipline.

    It is expected that the follow up processes will be both smooth and seamless, the first and paramount consideration being the welfare of the students of the Alexandra School.

    In due course, the Report will be laid before both Houses of Parliament in accordance with the Commissions of Inquiry Act Cap. 112, Section 17(3).

    As provided in Sections 2 and 9 of the Archives Act, Cap. 19B, the documents and materials resulting from the Commission’s work will be deposited with the Archives Department in the time limited by the Act for the taking of such action.

    The public is to be commended for its restraint and understanding during the period of the Inquiry, evidence, were any more needed, of our maturity when challenging situations confront us especially in relation to the preservation of our cherished institutions.

  30. David Avatar
    David

    Take note of the section highlighted:

    The Commissioner presented his report to the Governor-General on September 21 and the Governor-General forwarded a copy of the Report to the Prime Minister that same day. On Monday, October 22, the Cabinet considered the Report and its recommendations, and approved them for sending to the relevant agencies for appropriate action.

  31. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    LOL @ David
    Put another way, we are now on to phase 7 🙂

  32. Pat Avatar
    Pat

    @Bush Tea

    We will wait and see. I am waiting to see what Amused has to say. I dont see how a case can still take 15-20 years under this new CJ who was supposed to be the best thing since sliced bread! If it takes that long, Broomes can go back to school and study law and plead his own case.

    A Bajan woman in Toronto took one of our banks to court. Her lawyers all deserted her and with the help of her daughters and the public library, she pleaded her case in the High Court in Toronto and won against some five or 6 highly paid big maguffy bank lawyers. She was so good, the Judge complimented her on her diligence and hard work. She retired and is now back in Bim, living somewhere near where Hants comes from.

  33. Observing(...) Avatar
    Observing(…)

    Looka life.
    Now Redman insisting via the media that there must be a follow up meeting with the Prime Minister to deal with other outstanding industrial relations issues in order for a full resolution. Well well well.

    When you open a hornet’s nest without sufficient Bop or Baygon this is what happens.

    Just observing

  34. David Avatar
    David

    @Observing(…)

    The AX Mess is a story waiting to be told. It makes no sense BU posting anything until we know the government’s next move. Perhaps Minister Jones hinted at it in the press today.

  35. Observing(...) Avatar
    Observing(…)

    @david
    Mess is putting it mildly. I too am waiting to read all 111 pages completely rather than a few. Rest assured though, its a mess that crosses boundary and time lines. To think otherwise is to fool oneself immensely. I’ll reserve further comment. And knowledge til the PM’s or Jones’ words bear fruit.

    One thing is clear though, Redman doesn’t know when to hold her tongue, much to the administration’s chagrin. Lol.

    just observing

  36. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    Pat wrote “She retired and is now back in Bim, living somewhere near where Hants comes from.

    How you know where I come from? David is Pat in your “inner circle”?

    Looks like i gine have to guh into hidin somewey else.

    I tot dis did a nononamus blog but dis Pat person claim to know wey I come from.

  37. Sgt. Peters Avatar
    Sgt. Peters

    why you wanna hide
    are you Joseph Coward?

  38. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    @Sgt. Peters,
    because blogging with Bajans is more fun if they don’t know who you are.

    fyi Sgt. Peters , I don’t know who any of the anonymous bloggers are. Not even Dr.GP who went to school with me.

  39. David Avatar
    David

    @Observing(…)

    Surprised that Counsel Hal Gollop can’t get her to shut up. She is just inflaming the situation. Could this be her wish?

  40. Observing(...) Avatar
    Observing(…)

    @David
    I don’t think any man, woman or child can get her to shut up.

    Go figure, 9 months, 600,000 + dollars, a 111 page report later, and the lady still has “loose ends” for the Prime Minister of Barbados to tie up. I tell ya. “Mess” is an understatement.

    Strictly through a political lens this is another affected voting bloc.

    Just observing

  41. BSTU Member . Avatar
    BSTU Member .

    @ David
    Miss Redman was grossly misrepresented by the Nation newspaper . If ypu read what Barbados had to say and if you heard what VOB carried in the news last Friday , it would be clear that Miss Redman said that their lawyer was out of the country , they had no knowledge of the report and she was awaiting his return before making a statement . She could not have been so ill-advised to react in the manner which the Nation said . Maybe she should make a statement on it .

  42. David Avatar
    David

    @BSTU Member

    Maybe she should because there is a rising perception…

    On 6 November 2012 10:15, Barbados Underground

  43. Sargeant Avatar
    Sargeant

    @David
    If “BSTU member” is correct will the same Nation carry that statement?

    Recently the Nation was accused of misrepresenting the identity of clients of an Attorney did you see any statement acknowledging their error?
    Wake up and smell something

  44. millertheanunnaki Avatar
    millertheanunnaki

    @ David:

    Any info on the total cost for the Ax Inquiry?
    Are the creditors prepared to ride out the elections (as requested by CS) before making demands on the Crown for full payment?

  45. David Avatar
    David

    @Miller

    All should be revealed soon when the AX Report is laid in parliamant, maybe today or next week or the week after?

    On 6 November 2012 13:13, Barbados Underground

  46. Observing(...) Avatar
    Observing(…)

    @bstu member
    What’s the misrepresentation?

    @David
    or the moth after?? lol.

    @miller
    It will be interesting if a full cost breakdown is provided. We’ll see.

  47. David Avatar
    David

    Any guesses as to what will be discussed in parliament today? No it is not the Prevention Corruption Bill 2010.

  48. well well Avatar
    well well

    Is this Alexanders mess still going on?? I have travelled to four countries since it (ADR) started, I had an issue with Waterman, seems he was not operating in this century. Anyhow, I was in yet another country when the dispute started 9??? Years ago, what in heavens name takes the authorities in bim years to make decisions on matters that affects peoples lives. I will probably be travelling around for another 5 years and hear that they awaiting some other nonsense, is inactivity contagious on the island or something???? I cannot wrap my mind around this madness.

  49. Checkit-Out Avatar
    Checkit-Out

    The report was laid. So what now!

    David; Could you arrange for a copy of the official report to fall off a truck near your office and publish it here.

  50. Observing(...) Avatar
    Observing(…)

    @check it out
    “So what now!”

    We wait!!!!!! 🙂

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