Revoked!
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister of Education Ronald Thwaites has terminated the appointment of Vinette Robb-Oddman as chairman of Prickly Pole Primary School in Claremont, St Ann, effective September 23, 2015.
In a letter of today, Thwaites advised Robb-Oddman that he was satisfied that she was “part of a group who disrupted classes at the School and further … participated in a demonstration where students from the Prickly Pole School took part”. The incident took place on September 18, 2015.
Minister Thwaites noted that these actions were contrary to the “high standards of superintendence required of a school board chairman. In terminating Robb-Oddman’s appointment, a release from the Education Ministry said Thwaites consulted with the National Council on Education, which had formally nominated her as chairman. This is in accordance with the provision of section78 (3) of the Education Code of Regulations (1980).See the full text of the letter below:
Mrs Vinette Robb-Oddman
Chairman
Prickly Pole Primary
Claremont, St Ann
Jamaica WI
Dear
Thank you for sending me your report on the events at Prickly Pole Primary School on September 18, 2015.
I have considered all you have written along with statements from the School Principal, information from the Regional Director and other details in the public domain.As provided by S.78 (3) of the Education Code of Regulations (1980), I have also consulted with the National Council on Education which body had presented your nomination as Chairman.
I am satisfied that you were part of a group who disrupted classes at the School and further that you participated in a demonstration where students from the Prickly Pole School took part.
These actions, without more, are contrary to the high standards of superintendence required of a School Board Chairman.
This is to inform you that your appointment as Chairman of the Board of Management of the Prickly Pole Primary school is terminated effective September 23, 2015.
Thank you for your previous service.
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