By Francine Black, Staff ReporterTHE MINISTRY of Education has been advised by the Attorney-General that it is within its rights to seek total repayment of the $20 million it overpaid to some 78 teachers.
The Ministry advised the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) of the new advice at their monthly meeting Tuesday. In addition, it suggested that the JTA consult with the Attorney-General's office.
"We suggested that they confer with him, because we like to provide the opportunity for dialogue," Margueritte Bowie, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, told The Gleaner.
LEGAL ADVICE
President of the teacher association, Wentworth Gabbidon, said the JTA will be meeting on January 21 to consider the developments. The association had previously got legal advice saying the teachers were not obliged to repay the sums, given the time that had elapsed.
The errors arose from a 1995 reclassification of teachers.
"Now that we have got a response from the Ministry, we will have to meet to discuss what the next step will be," said Mr. Gabbidon.
Meantime, the Ministry, despite the Attorney-General's advice, was reluctant to state whether it would continue recovering the monies.
"I am not going to go there...," Mrs. Bowie said.
Both the Ministry and JTA said further talks will be held before a final decision is made.
