Teaching Commission Rethinks Decision on UDP Mayoral Candidate’s Leave

The Teaching Services Commission will be rethinking its position on the United Democratic Party Mayoral Candidate Jacklyn Burns after the Chair of its Appeal It is a funny situation as Burns needed the time off to campaign, but with elections only six days away, the matter is practically moot.  According to a letter from the commission the Tribunal conceded that it may have erred.  Last month, the commission denied Burns’ application for leave without pay from her teaching post at Belmopan Comprehensive High School. Burns had appealed the decision to be able to campaign in Belmopan ahead of the municipal elections, today she received a response. Chairman of the tribunal, attorney Leroy Banner, informed Burns that QUOTE “The Commission erred in their decision as they did not address their mind as to whether or not campaigning for the office of Mayor is a special reason to be given leave without pay.” UNQUOTE Banner notes that he’s of the view that the commission addressed their minds to the wrong section of the law and believes the matter should go back to the Commission for reconsideration. Our newsroom reached out to Burns for comment, but she denied weighing in on the matter.