Mayaro principal suspended

Andy Paul was suspended on Friday last on the basis that he was negligent in the handling of the incident involving student Tristan Khan who was attacked, allegedly by a bully who kicked him to the ground and jumped on his elbow until it was broken.

The suspension was one of the requests made by Khan’s legal representative in their pre-action protocol letter sent to the Ministry of Education.

President of the National Primary School Principals Association Cogland Griffith said the association was “shocked” by the suspension since Education Minister Anthony Garcia had announced in the week after the incident that it was not a case of bullying but one of child play gone wrong.

“As an organisation we are not clear as to what really was the reason for Mr Paul’s suspension,” Griffith said.

“Does it mean that from now on once a child is injured at school the principal will be suspended or disciplined? The suspension of Mr Paul can give the public the impression that the principal was responsible for the injuries sustained by the student. We are calling for the TSC to give a clear understanding as to the reason why Mr Paul was suspended and to arrive at a speedy and amicable resolution to this matter in the interest of fairness and justice.” Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association president Lynsley Doodhai told Newsday Paul was suspended for acting negligently but this information has not yet been confirmed by the Education Ministry.

Douglas Bayley, the attorney representing Khan’s parents, said “We are very pleased with this.

Finally, after Mr. Ramlogan and I intervened, some sort of justice is being granted to Tristan and his family.” After the letter was sent to the Education Ministry, the ministry asked for an extension of time beyond the 28 days in order to respond.

The extension, said Bayley, will expire by the middle of the month.