The BNTU says they will represent Canaan teacher but not defend him

While Fonseca stated that the BNTU has come out to represent and defend the accused educator, the union says don’t get it twisted. Today, the organization issued a press release stating that “the BNTU IN NO WAY defends the actions of any teacher who takes lightly the sacred trust bestowed upon them in this profession, and CONDEMNS any form of pedophilic behaviour.” On Tuesday, National President, Senator Elena Smith, stated that the union must represent any teacher, who felt they are being wronged, as a part of its mandate as a union. But, Smith’s comments have been misconstrued because the child’s parents believe Smith erred in her remarks. The union in its release says that “due to the sensitive nature of these cases, however, we fully understand the possible misinterpretation of that role, but must humbly ask that the importance of the role is respected.” The union also reiterated its position saying that they do not uphold any teacher in any wrongdoing of any kind. The incident has since brought into question whether the Ministry of Education is doing enough to stop the prevalence of these occurrences. According to the Minister of Education, while there is much to be done, the ministry is taking swift action. 

Hon. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education: “I think we have gotten a lot better. I think we’ve put in place stronger policies, stronger regulations, we have talked about it more so it’s no longer some dark secret so I think the bottom line is when we uncover these things and there is evidence to support the allegation that we deal with these individuals forcefully, decisively and we deal with them through the criminal justice system so that when we start to send these people to jail and they realize that they’re going to jail for preying on young people I think the message will be sent loud and clear.”