Decision over future of school principal next week

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

EDUCATION Minister Jerome Fitzgerald will announce what will happen to North Andros High School principal Stephen Sands, who was convicted of manslaughter in the death of his former girlfriend more than 30 years ago, before a cabinet meeting next week.

The minister told The Tribune yesterday that after reviewing the principal’s files, he has found no flaw in his interview process when he went before the Public Services Commission.

“He was fully transparent in his interview,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

“Everything was clear in terms of the process before the Public Services Commission and he dealt with the incident.”

Last week, the minister ordered an investigation to determine the circumstances that allowed the principal into the education system after The Tribune revealed that the principal’s conviction unsettled residents of North Andros and has moved Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) president Belinda Wilson to call for his removal.

Sands served eight years in prison after he was convicted of manslaughter in the death of his girlfriend in the 1980s.

According to Mr Fitzgerald, Sands entered the education profession in 1996 and through “impeccable service” has risen to the position of principal.

Comments

TalRussell says...

What a sweet story about a generous and most considerate Minister of the Queen's Crown. What should be of concern, is why this minister of the crown decided to take this matter before the cabinet and not to have dealt with it personally as the substantive minister of eduction? Says to me that there are too many good politically- minded Samaritans sitting on the government's side of the Honourable House of Assembly. Only God Himself knows what these MP's are doing that we never hear about?

Posted 24 April 2014, 1:22 p.m. Suggest removal

sheeprunner12 says...

What does that tell you about how serious Cabinet is??????????? and who is doing what around that table????????????
I agree with you on this.

Posted 25 April 2014, 12:43 p.m. Suggest removal

birdiestrachan says...

Unsettled Residents of North Andros? Maybe some Residents and of course Ms. Belinda Wilson will be unsettled She is always unsettled and loves to be that way. and on TV.

Posted 24 April 2014, 2:46 p.m. Suggest removal

Brenard says...

As a young bahamian, the biggest lie i believed was that education WAS/is the key. After being in the real world for some time now, it is who you know which dictates your success/survival in this Bahamas. This story is a prime example.

Posted 24 April 2014, 7:31 p.m. Suggest removal

TalRussell says...

Comrade Brenard, across this vast Bahamaland of ours, it's not hard to recognize injustice, regardless which political party happens to be in power. “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.” ~Mary Engelbreit

You must always remain positive. No politician can snatch that away from you. Always treat even those on opposite side to you, with respect and dignity. Yes, even when it's hard to do.

Posted 24 April 2014, 8:28 p.m. Suggest removal

Brenard says...

Tal, it is like your talking a talk that does not match "OUR REALITY". How could i change the way i think about the truth? Wouldn't i then be in denial or lieing to myself if i did? Mary Engelbreit wrote that according to her unique circumstances/environment/culture, not bahamian.

I am always positive and confident within myself. Indeed, no political powers can strip me of that. Howerever, it seems as if all YOUNG BAHAMIANS WITH DREAMS CAN DO IS DIE IN/WITH CONFIDENCE, DIGNITY & RESPECT

Let's keep it real please.

Posted 25 April 2014, 6:27 a.m. Suggest removal

Bahamianpride says...

Bernard unfortunately young educated non politically connected Bahamians have few choices, first start your own business which is almost impossible without $$$, or leave to go to a more merit based society.

Posted 25 April 2014, 9:25 a.m. Suggest removal

Brenard says...

You know the truth, atleast you are not trying to powder it away. I agree with what you say.

Posted 25 April 2014, 10:52 a.m. Suggest removal

sheeprunner12 says...

Hangers--on like Tal could talk like that............... its their modus operandi. But when you dont have a political "hook-up".............. its no joke in Bahamaland

Prime example of how the lawyers and doctors are making a mockery of the educators (who taught them)

When will the injustice stop for the profession of professions?????????????

Posted 24 April 2014, 9:32 p.m. Suggest removal

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