Parents protest principals' move

FRIDAY, APRIL 27: More than 100 pupils and parents from two primary schools today protested at a decision to move head teachers around.

The protestors – from Victor Scott and TN Tatem schools – marched on the House of Assembly to ask the Government to do a U-turn on the decision – and warned they could challenge the move in the courts.

Spokesman Rev. Quinton Ming said: “Our actions speak to the relationship we as parents insist upon having with our Government regarding our children’s education moving forward.”

He added: “We will no longer allow ourselves to be swept aside while major decisions affecting them are made.

“We respect the roles of those entrusted to make such decisions to serve us. At the same time, we demand respectful engagement in the process to ensure the soundness of those decisions.”

The protestors met Premier Paula Cox, Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith, as well as shadow Education Minister Grant Gibbons and OBA leader Craig Cannonier outside Sessions House.

The Ministry of Education announced last month that Victor Scott Primary principal Valerie Williams would be transferred to East End Primary at the start of the new school session later this year.

The head of the Pembroke school will be replaced Purvis Primary School head Judith Alexander, while East End Primary principal Idonia Beckles will move to Warwick’s TN Tatem. The current head of TN Tatem, Francine McMahon, will move to Purvis.

A statement issued by the protesting parents said: “It we have miscalculated and our Government continues to refuse to support us in this objective it will stand exposed.

“And we will continue on to do right by our children by reinforcing our march with concerted action, including having its decision reviewed by the courts of law while the policy that gave rise to it is thrown to the mercy of the court of public opinion.”

The statement added: “Our actions speak to the relationship we as parents insist upon having with our Government regarding our children’s education moving forward.”