Slow justice in teachers’ matter

The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) is calling for a speedy resolution of the matter surrounding the suspension of teachers Pedro Shepherd and Alwyn Babb.

“We are really hoping that this matter could be dealt with expeditiously . . We believe that they are entitled to speedy justice. It can’t be that hearings have not been convened or called and not followed through on. It cannot be, if the rules speak to the fact that you can only be suspended for X months.

“We are saying that for some reason, this matter is not seemingly sitting well,” said general secretary Dennis De Peiza during a press conference on Friday.

Shepherd and Babb were sent on half pay leave for six months by the Ministry of Public Service for offering themselves as candidates in this year’s January general elections.

They both were expected to have a hearing on June 7.

De Peiza said he was concerned that the progress of their case was almost at a standstill.

“The powers-that-be need, as keepers of the law, (to) follow the law and we should not allow a lack of justice to be executed in the way it shouldn’t be.

“So our position . . . is to deal with principles of the matter, the fairness of the matter and the dispensation of justice in a fair and reasonable manner. We will hope that this matter could be drawn to its conclusion. If there’s no evidence or there are no grounds to pursue the charge, the matter should be withdrawn and the members should return to their positions,” said De Peiza. (SZB)