Whiteman SPALDINGS, Clarendon:
THE MAY Pen police turned up at the Palmer's Cross Primary and Junior High School in Clarendon yesterday, to ensure that parents and students did not carry out a threat to disrupt classes for the second consecutive week.
Classes resumed with the 7 o'clock shift for the first time since last Tuesday when parents and students started a protest against the appointment of Mrs. Jennis Thomas as principal.
The police were early on the scene yesterday morning and maintained a presence outside the school compound all day allowing classes to continue undisturbed. With news of yesterday's resumption, Education Minister Senator Burchell Whiteman is to meet representatives of the school board, the Parent-Teacher Association and teaching staff in Kingston to discuss the matter.
According to Superintendent Antonio Gaynor, officer in charge of the parish, the lawmen would be doing everything possible to prevent disruption and to ensure that students are not "denied their educational opportunities".
New principal Mrs. Thomas told The Gleaner that despite last week's disruptions, she was determined to carry out her responsibilities at the school in the interest of the students. She said she had no malice towards anyone and was encouraged by a number of parents who have visited and called the school yesterday pledging support for her administration and wishing the institution well.
Education Officer Mrs. Sylvia Henry told The Gleaner that although calm had been restored and children were back, attendance was down. She said she hoped it will return to normal by today.
Senator Whiteman had warned protesting parents, who had chained and padlocked the school gates last week, that he would not be meeting them until normality was restored. The protesters have been calling for the vice-principal, Myrtle Roye, to be appointed to the top post. Mrs. Roye, who had acted in the position from September last year to April this year, has been employed to the school for 36 years.
