The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) has challenged the Education Ministry’s position that it was not aware of alleged inappropriate behaviour by some shelterees housed at schools.
Earlier this week, JTA President, Mark Malabver raised concerns that persons displaced by Hurricane Melissa last year and being housed at schools were having sex at the institutions.
He expressed concern that the activities were taking place in full view of students.
Local Government, Minister Desmond McKenzie requested evidence to substantiate the claims.
The Education Ministry responded, noting that up to yesterday it had not been officially notified of any case of inappropriate behaviour by shelterees at any school being used as a shelter.
The ministry said it meets with the JTA on a monthly basis and these specific allegations were never raised in those meetings.
It said it was not made aware of the serious content of the public utterances of Mr. Malabver before the statement was made on Tuesday, April 7.
Speaking at the JTA Education Conference in Hanover today, Mr. Malabver dismissed the ministry’s claim and insisted that it was informed of the concerns from last month.
He claimed that ministry officials also requested that the schools and police stations-where the matters were reported should be identified.
Mr. Malabver said the JTA will not be silenced.
He noted that another organisation has received similar reports.
Meanwhile, in response to the calls from Local Government Minister, Desmond McKenzie for provision of evidence to substantiate the allegations, Mr. Malabver said he will not divulge sensitive information.
In the meantime, the Education Ministry says it still has not received any report relating to the specific allegation in the statement made by JTA President, Mark Malabver on Tuesday, April 7.
The ministry says the JTA has only raised issues about significant discomfort with shelterees being housed in schools.
Portfolio Minister, Dr. Dana Morris Dixon claims that at no point in any discussion did Mr. Malabver state that he had reports of shelterees engaging in sexual activity in front of children.
She said investigations were conducted by the ministry and no corroborating evidence has been identified to substantiate the statements that were made publicly.
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