KINGSTON, Jamaica – Education Minister Ruel Reid today lashed back at Chairman of the Hampton School Board, Trevor Blake, who yesterday denied that certain decisions, including a two-week leave for embattled principal Heather Murray, were arrived at during a January 11 meeting at the ministry.

Murray was ordered by the ministry to take the time off and also seek counselling following public outcry over her appearance at the arraignment hearing for Moravian pastor Rupert Clarke, who is accused of carnal abuse involving a 15-year-old girl.

Reid today reiterated that the ministry is awaiting a full report as requested on the school board’s deliberations concerning Murray’s actions. 

According to a news release from the ministry a short while ago, Reid said he has also taken note of statements to the media by Blake and following receipt of that report, the ministry will determine the next step.

“It should be noted that in the January 11 meeting, Blake said there were capable persons at the institution to pick up the acting role so there would be no problem with Mrs Murray going off on leave as recommended,” the release stated.

It also added that Blake had sent a letter dated January 14 to Murray advising that she would proceed on two weeks leave, which was subsequently sent to Reid. 

Another letter dated January 16, was distributed to the vice principals and bursar of the school,  noting that Murray was sent on what Blake had described as “compassionate leave”, the ministry explained.

The ministry emphasised that in light of the content of the letter and Blake’s subsequent statements to the media, Reid expects a full report including the minutes from a board meeting of January 12 to determine the way forwarb

Blake in a letter to the minister said the report requested for January 31 would be sent by February 3.

He also said that sending Murray on leave would raise serious legal concerns and the 11-member board voted unanimously that no further action would be taken against the principal.