Education Minister denies challenging TSC (reproduced from CNMG)

Education Minister Dr. Tim Gopeesingh has denied a report that he challenged the independence of the Teaching Service Commission (TSC).

On Wednesday, the minister issued a statement in which he said he has not taken issue with the findings of the TSC investigation into matters at the Tunapuna Hindu School.

However, Dr. Gopeesingh is concerned about the number of vacancies that remain for teaching staff at primary and secondary schools.

This even as the Tunapuna Hindu Primary School Principal, Sita Gajadharsingh-Nanga continues to stand by her request for a transfer, while the TSC has determined the principal cannot be transferred until she is interviewed.

Dr. Gopeesingh said his ministry found Mrs. Gajadharsingh-Nanga should get the transfer she had requested, since it appeared to be the only way she would be provided with the appropriate professional environment needed to do her job.

The minister maintained that the principal could not continue to operate in a hostile situation and that the students could not continue to be affected by the contention.

Dr. Gopeesingh said he was concerned that the transfer process could take as long as two years.

He also noted the TSC is yet to fill a number of vacancies in the school system, including those of principals and vice principals at primary and secondary schools across Trinidad and Tobago.

Dr. Gopeesingh said as education minister, he would use every authority vested in him to facilitate a quick transfer of the Tunapuna Hindu School principal in the interest of the education system.

He also proposed to hold a meeting with the TSC, with a view to resolving the matter in a timely manner.

In his statement, the education minister maintained that his first duty is to ensure the smooth and proper operations of the entire education sector and all schools in the best interest of the students, teachers and principals.

On Tuesday, the education ministry released the findings of the report into the strained relations at the Tunapuna Hindu Primary School, which found the principal negligent in the performance of her duties but also that the school's leadership was being undermined.

The report recommended that a number of investigations be launched.

(the above report was reproduced from the CNMG website)