Thwaites apologizes to former TSC members

Education minister, Reverend Ronald Thwaites has taken the rap for the manner in which the former members of the Teachers’ Services Commission (TSC) learned of their dismissal.

Mr. Thwaites has apologized to the members, and has accepted responsibility for what he says was the awkward release of government's decision to in his words refresh the membership.

The former Alphansus Davis led commission reportedly became aware of their sacking through the media.

The education minister says cabinet approved a new slate of members in June, and the next step would have been to write to the former members.

However, this was not done.

Mr. Thwaites points out that it was within his purview to renew the committees under his jurisdiction.

He says he believed it was best to review the membership of the TSC to include new talent and allow institutions like the church and the Jamaica Teachers Association to nominate fresh representatives.

The education minister indicates that he took into consideration the controversy surrounding the appointment of Mr Davis, which he says affected the confidence of the commission.

The former JLP administration had appointed Mr. Davis to chair the 18-member commission, which appoints school principals.

The JTA and the PNP while in opposition had argued that the appointment of Mr. Davis as chair of the commission conflicted with his other role as senior advisor to then Education Minister Andrew Holness.