Investigation into Canaan SDA Teachers Concluding
Francis Fonseca
An investigation into the male teacher from Canaan SDA High School who stands accused of predatory behavior against one of his female students is near completion. The Ministry of Education and the high school have been repeatedly accused of not moving swift enough in taking action against the teacher. Well, the result of that investigation will determine what will become of the allegations, as well as the teacher’s career in education. Francis Fonseca, the Minister of Education, gave us an update on the investigation when we caught up with him this morning.
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education
“The teacher is no longer in the classroom. As you said, tomorrow or today will be the day for some final reporting on the matter. So, the Ministry has been engaged in the effort. The chief and the C.E.O. has met more that once with all the parties involved in this matter. So, it is a very serious matter. As soon as we get the final reports then a determination will be made. But, certainly as I have said repeatedly, there is zero tolerance for that kind of behavior. There can be no, there has to be zero tolerance for that type of behavior in our education system, so when we receive the final report decision will be made.”
Reporter
“I understand there is zero tolerance, but is there a fraternity in the unions and church managements that protect predators and simply seek to focus on process.”
Francis Fonseca
“I think unfortunately that has been in some respects the past track record. I can say to you that in my discussions with both the church management and the B.N.T.U. they have made it emphatically clear that their position is that they too have zero tolerance for that kind of behavior, that they will not in any way provide protection or shield any teacher who is accused of that type of behavior.”
Reporter
“Where is the urgency in action? Where was it at Canaan SDA when these text messages were brought to them by their parents?”
Francis Fonseca
“Well I have been the first to be very critical of the school. it was the first to say to them they should have been no delay with them bringing this matter to the attention of the Ministry of Education reporting it to us.”
