By Tracey Khan – Drakes
[www.inewsguyana.com] – The Board of Governors at Queens College (QC) has been accused of micro managing the daily operations of the school and “running it to the ground.”
Officials at the school, who prefer to remain anonymous, told iNews that due to the Board’s constant interference, teachers are resigning or requesting transfer from the institution.
The current Board of Governor’s existence has expired; however, it was reportedly extended by Education Minister, Priya Manickchand to the detriment of the school, the source noted.
Officials described the leadership of the Board’s current Chairman [name provided] as “autocratic and vindictive.” iNews understands that the individual has been the Chairman since 2001.
“The entire QC teaching population and other staff want the Board out with immediate effect and to ensure that a new Board is installed without delay… A group of staff members and teachers are contending that no one should be allowed to serve on the Board for more than two consecutive terms,” one school official told iNews.
The Board is being accused of being a major impediment to the progress of the school and fears that it could eventually affect students’ performance.
It is alleged that the Board’s behavior has prompted the resignation of the school’s Geography teacher. iNews understands that the teacher is rated as one of the best Geography teachers in the country.
Additionally, iNews was reliably informed that the school’s Chemistry and Business teacher has requested a transfer as well, allegedly due to the Board’s interference.
School officials noted that one Board member in particular is a major challenge for the staff and has been “interfering with the works of teachers and other staff; he insults teachers and staff and behave like a slave master. Teachers are also planning on leaving the school if [name provided] is returned as a Board member.”
Teachers are asking that the Board’s constitution be reviewed with the hope of removing the bulk of power and restoring them in the hands of the Head Mistress, Deputy Head Mistress and other senior teachers.
It is unclear whether the Education Minister is aware of the problems facing the country’s top institution. However, iNews, after several attempts, made contact with Minister Priya Manickchand, who was reluctant to speak with the Reporter.
Manickchand said that all questions from iNews should be forwarded to her Permanent Secretary. An email has since been sent to the PS, who has since responded late last evening acknowledging receipt of the email and promised to provide an appropriate response soon.
