Education Ministry to file affidavit in teachers’ issue

HIGH COURT Judge Mark Mohammed yesterday ordered that the Ministry of Education be included in the judicial review filed by nine suspended teachers of the Arima Senior Comprehensive School since the Ministry is directly affected by the proceedings. Mohammed also ordered that the Ministry, which was unrepresented at the trial, file affidavit evidence by October 18 and present its legal submissions at least two weeks prior to the trial date of November 24. The matter came before Justice Mohammed in the Port-of-Spain Fifth Civil Court yesterday. Attorneys Russell Martineau SC, Jenine Boodhan and Kerwyn Martin appeared on behalf of the Teaching Service Commission, while the teachers and TTUTA were represented by attorney Anil Ramlogan.

The matter stems from the suspension of nine teachers from the Arima Senior Comprehensive School last December by the TSC. The TSC claimed that they were brought into disrepute by actions taken by the teachers. Following the suspension, the TSC began disciplinary hearings against the nine teachers. In response, TTUTA filed for a judicial review against the actions taken by the TSC for their handling of the situation at the Arima Senior Comprehensive. TUTTA contends that the TSC was biased against the teachers and acted unfairly and in bad faith.
When the matter resumed yesterday, Martineau indicated that the TSC needed an adjournment to peruse the necessary documents and prepare their case. Ramlogan then informed the court that he had no objection to the request. Mohammed then informed the attorneys that the matter would be adjourned to November 24, and reminded all the parties involved in the matter that the conservatory order prohibiting the Teaching Service Commission from proceeding with disciplinary charges against the teachers was still in effect.