BUT’s attempts to tour CH Reeves thwarted

BUT’s attempts to tour CH Reeves thwarted

NASSAU, BAHAMAS –  President of The Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT), Belinda Wilson, accompanied by union members, on Wednesday attempted to tour the C H Reeves Junior High School to ensure that the on-going issues at the institution, mainly a mold and rodent infestation, had been addressed over the Christmas holidays.

However, the walkabout was thwarted when the school’s principal reportedly sent security to inform the press that she wanted them off the campus grounds.

Police officers were also called to escort the media off the premises a short while after the message was sent by the principal.

“We hope that we will be able to occupy the new block that has been building for years and years, and we hope that everything we have asked the ministry to do [is done]. [Also to] make sure the trenches are closed and the restrooms are clean and prepared for the teachers and students,” Wilson said.

The BUT president said she was informed that Minister of Education Jeff Lloyd would be present for the walkabout, but Lloyd sent Zane Lightbourne, a  negotiation representative, along with lawyers attached to the Office of the Attorney General.

Wilson said she was giving the ministry until this Sunday to correct the issues at CH Reeves. If these issues are not addressed, Wilson said they would take matters into their own hands.

She also hinted that the union would make use of the strike certificate obtained by the Department of Labor last month.

About Ginelle Longley

Ginelle Longley is a broadcast reporter and occasional TV news anchor with Eyewitness News, also serving as the station’s evening radio news anchor for 103.5 The Beat. She has reported on news beats including government, politics, crime, human interest, business and even sports. In 2018, she was nominated for the Bahamas Press Club’s “Student Media Journalism Award”.