-three for sex molestation

The Teaching Service Com-mission (TSC) dismissed 30 teachers in the first quarter of this year on a variety of grounds including three accused of sexual molestation.

In a press release yesterday, the TSC said that 80 teachers have been disciplined for various reasons in the first quarter.

“Teachers were dismissed for misconduct/improper conduct, conduct unbecoming of a teacher, late notices of resignation and unauthorized absence”, the release declared, adding that teachers were disciplined by way of interdiction, reprimand and probation. It noted that recently the TSC demoted a Head-teacher from a Grade A Secondary School to the position of Deputy Head-teacher. “The penalty is the result of an investigation conducted by the Commission into allegations of inefficiency and gross misconduct of the head-teacher.”

The Commission said too that three teachers, accused of sexually molesting students were dismissed. “In the wake of numerous allegations of sexual molestation by teachers of the students left in their care, the Commission showed its absolute abhorrence with such repulsive behavior by dismissing three teachers, who have been accused of sexual molestation”, the release said.

It said that it is presently awaiting reports on investigations by the Ministry of Education into allegations of sexual misconduct by teachers of several schools across the country before proceeding to take disciplinary action against those teachers.

Additionally, the release urged head-teachers to contact the body through the Head of the Department of Education in their respective regions to notify the TSC of teachers who are frequently absent or late or who are pursuing studies at the University of Guyana without lawful release from the ministry or teachers who are the subject of allegations of misconduct or inefficiency.

“The Commission holds the strong view that the education and welfare of the nation’s children are the paramount considerations in the performance of its constitutional mandate and as such will ensure that quality education is provided by competent and responsible teachers at all times”, the release asserted.