KINGSTON, Jamaica— Generation 2000 (G2K), the youth arm of the Jamaica Labour Party, is calling for the resignation of Errol Bascoe from his position as principal of the Tacky High School after he stepped down as the People’s National Party (PNP) provisional candidate for Member of Parliament of St Mary Western.

G2K, in a release on Saturday, has argued that the reason given by Bascoe for his resignation as the PNP candidate for Member of Parliament, “raises concerns about his ability to continue to lead an educational institution, given his failure to address similar issues as principal.”

Bascoe in his resignation from the PNP cited an unspecified allegation as his reason for leaving. However, he called the allegation “scurrilous and malicious” while maintaining his innocence.

READ: PNP’s Bascoe resigns as MP candidate after ‘malicious’ allegation

The G2K, in their demand for Bascoe’s resignation accused him of showing consideration to the PNP, but not offering the same level of care to the high school.

“It is deeply troubling that Mr Bascoe while prioritising the reputation of the PNP, has failed to extend the same level of concern for the reputation and well-being of Tacky High School, the educational institution he serves as principal. As guardians of the interests of students and the community, school administrators must uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability in education,” G2K said in the release.

Shayne Kerr, president of Generation 2000, went on to condemn Bascoe’s “absolute disregard for his duty to protect the school and prioritise its reputation before his partisan interests”.

“It is unacceptable for Mr Bascoe to prioritise the reputation of the PNP over the noble institution of Tacky High School. As principal, his primary responsibility is to ensure the well-being and reputation of the school and its students. His failure to do so is deeply concerning and begs to question his suitability to lead,” Kerr stated.

He added: “The actions of Mr Bascoe demonstrate a clear lack of judgment and integrity. By prioritising partisan interests over the welfare of the school community, he has failed in his duty as principal. This action is not only irresponsible but also undermines the trust and confidence that students, parents, and the community have placed in him.”

The youth arm stated that it is urging Bascoe to examine the potential risk posed to the school should he remain as principal.

“We urge him to do the right thing and tender his resignation immediately to safeguard the reputation and well-being of the school,” the release concluded.