The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Union of Teachers has again suspended its president, Belinda Wilson, and treasurer, Lorraine Knowles, for “blatant violations” of the union’s constitution, according to a statement yesterday.

Acting union president Zane Lightbourne said that Mrs Wilson and Ms Knowles were served notices of suspension on Monday. He said both women had filed appeals that will be reviewed by committees in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, he said neither could perform any duties on behalf of the BUT.

In December, Mrs Wilson and Ms Knowles were suspended. The move triggered weeks of contention between Mrs Wilson and BUT officials until the suspension was challenged in court and overturned by a three-member appeals committee in January.

However, union executives told The Tribune that they rejected the ruling.

Mr Lightbourne said: “She and the treasurer have been served the notice of suspension as of Monday. Within the next three weeks, the appeals committees will be formed and they will have to look at the case and deliberate to decide if the suspension stands or give a recommendation as to what should happen.

“They both remain on suspension until it is confirmed or overturned and they have exercised the right to appeal.”

Asked to reveal what sparked a second suspension, Mr Lightbourne said he could not in order to maintain the integrity of the work that the appeals committee will do. Mrs Wilson declined to comment when contacted yesterday.

Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald told reporters yesterday that despite the continuing dispute, the government would work with BUT officials to bring a close to ongoing negotiations.

He said the government had just over $1m remaining of the nearly $4m that was owed to teachers.

“We have indicated that we will begin negotiations with union executives,” Mr Fitzgerald said, “with the understanding that we are trying to bring the matter to a close, particularly the financial arrangement.

“Once that is done the payouts would have been completed and the government will not owe teachers anything.” 

According to a statement released by the BUT yesterday, the suspension of Mrs Wilson and Ms Knowles will last until June 27, 2015.

It read: “Both individuals have exercised their right to appeal. During their suspensions, the said officers are not allowed to conduct any business for or on behalf of The Bahamas Union of Teachers. 

“In the absence of the president, and in accordance with our rules and the full support of the Executive Committee, our Vice President, Mr Zane Lightbourne, has now assumed the office of acting president and has the full confidence of the Executive Committee.” 

The statement added that in the absence of a treasurer, Assistant Treasurer Terez Conliffe has assumed the post.