…And former school director says ministry is mediating

Pastor Ernest Tate was not a part of today’s demonstration in Ontario Village because he was in the Capital. A News Five crew caught up with Pastor Tate at the Ministry of Education, where he was attending a meeting concerning the fate of the two institutions.

Pastor Ernest Tate, Former Director, O.C.S. and W.C.A
“Presently, we are in discussion with the Ministry of Education concerning the Ontario Christian School and Western Christian Academy. I have been managing Ontario Christian School and then since four years ago when W.C.A. came on stream. I have been managing both schools for the last twenty-five plus years.”

Jose Sanchez
“in your opinion, is it a power struggle that the Faith Mission people want control?”

Pastor Ernest Tate
“I believe probably it is and I believe there is a lot more to it than that but on March the fourth when the present directors of Belize Faith Mission came into this country, they basically said this belong to us and we are taking over. Basically telling me “your services are no longer needed.”

Jose Sanchez
“Alright, lets fast-forward to your resignation. Did you offer to stay on board to have a smooth transition?”

Pastor Ernest Tate
“Yes I did. I wrote a letter requesting in the interest of the school, the parents, Ministry of Education, for there to be a smooth transition that things continue as per usual until the thirtieth of June to bring both schools to a natural conclusion. But that request was denied on the spot.”

Jose Sanchez
“So you have salary problems, graduation problems, there’s a threat to close to the school before. How do you respond to all of that?”

Pastor Ernest Tate
“Well, you know at the end of the day when I woke up three o clock one morning to write that letter, this is exactly what I was trying to avoid. I was trying to avoid, one for example, children that were taking CXCs, that they would not be traumatized and brought into a situation where the environment is not conducive to good learning.”