MONTEGO BAY, St James — A classroom dispute involving a parent escalated into a confrontation at a high school in Montego Bay and has now taken another turn, with the child’s Spanish teacher formally charged.

The matter has been before the court since February 11. It involves both the teacher and the parent arising from the same incident.

Educator Ann-Marie Christie has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm, joining Ywanda Nelson-Taylor, who is also facing a charge in the matter being heard in the St James Parish Court.

The dispute dates back to September 9, 2025, during a Spanish class. Court allegations state that Christie was guiding students in pronouncing Spanish words when Nelson-Taylor’s child reportedly struggled with pronunciation.

According to the allegations, after several attempts the teacher told the student she would need to change her accent to pronounce the words correctly. The student allegedly responded that she was not going to change her accent to suit the teacher. Christie is said to have replied, “I’m not going to change to suit anybody either.”

The matter later moved beyond the classroom, according to court documents. At approximately 3:35 pm that afternoon, Nelson-Taylor and the child’s father reportedly went to the school seeking a private discussion with the teacher. What began as a conversation allegedly became heated.

Court documents claim Nelson-Taylor became boisterous during the exchange, saying, “A dis ya old pop-down gyal a disrespect mi pickney?” Prosecutors allege the confrontation then turned physical, with the child’s father holding Christie while Nelson-Taylor scratched the teacher’s face, causing bruising near her eye. A report was made to the police and Nelson-Taylor was subsequently arrested and charged.

However, allegations were also made against Christie. It is claimed that during the confrontation, Nelson-Taylor pointed her hand in Christie’s face. Christie allegedly grabbed Nelson-Taylor’s left hand and began wringing it. Nelson-Taylor’s husband reportedly intervened in an attempt to separate the parties.

Prosecutors further allege that Christie released the hand but grabbed Nelson-Taylor’s arm and squeezed it, causing swelling, tenderness, and a burning sensation.

Christie was later arrested and charged with assault occasioning bodily harm.

Nelson-Taylor is represented by attorney Charles Ganga-Singh, while Christie is currently unrepresented.

During last Wednesday’s court proceedings the clerk confirmed that the medical certificate relating to Nelson-Taylor’s charge is now on file. For Christie, video footage of the incident and a functionality certificate remain outstanding.

Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton expressed concern about the fracas that brought both parties before her.

“When a parent has to visit a school for the child, making enquiries, and it results in criminal matters, I will, without hesitation, say that clearly something is not right in those persons who should have the best interest of the children at heart,” the judge said.

She added that the conduct alleged against both parties was inappropriate and “not a good look”.

The case is set for mention on March 19, with bail for both defendants extended.