No idea teachers taking sides

KEITH SIMMONS has no idea there are teachers at The Alexandra School who gave statements indicating there remains an anti-principal feeling that is endorsed and pushed by senior teachers.
The chairman of the school’s board of management made this revelation yesterday, as his marathon testimony to The Alexandra School Commission of Inquiry continued at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex.
Simmons, during his fourth day on the stand, was being questioned by attorney Cecil McCarthy, QC, who represents Broomes on behalf of the Barbados Association of Principals of Public Secondary Schools.
McCarthy read excerpts from two statements given to the commission by teachers Mia Howell-Sealy, and Antoinette Jemmont.
“I have no idea that new teachers were being forced to take sides,” Simmons said, when McCarthy read Howell-Sealy’s statement. “I’m not aware there was an anti-Broomes sentiment held by senior teachers,” Simmons added.