Latest update June 15th, 2026 6:14 PM
Ignoring the circumstances
Dear Editor,
Recently, something that was so very wrong happened to someone I’ve known for a long time. That incident brought back afresh in my mind, a letter written in the Kaieteur News of June by Geralda Dennison: “What an unfair, unjust world we live in”.
Since this incident closely mirrors the one highlighted by Dennison but less harsh, I will confine my comment to the dreadful story Dennison wrote about.
One couldn’t help empathising with that brother, a victim of bureaucratic lethargy and unconscionable judgment. This story- the plight of a teacher- forces us to take a hard and long look and thoroughly examine all over again, the words decency and uprightness that some members of the judiciary personify, since too much nonsense, wrong things are being done in their names, especially by Government laws/policies and those who are entrusted with dispensing of justice.
A young man and a father of three who had been teaching for 17 years is owed three months pay, totalling $180,000, by the state. As was reported, he stole some tools from his place of employment and admitted to this, is remorseful and has asked for mercy as he explained his circumstances: children to feed and clothe and rent to pay.
His plea for mercy falls on deaf ears and he is sentenced to 12 months jail.
This dedicated teacher in spite of not receiving his three months’ pay continued teaching two CXC classes, two third form classes and three second form classes! But none of that mattered- 12 months jail.
Events or situations like this trip people off, set the condition and provide fertile soil for rebellion.
There are many Government agencies/state corporations that take a light year to pay ordinary hardworking everyday people. You could starve to death before the money is released, just as was the case for this teacher.
Same with N.I.S. The so called decent and righteous people in authority say that’s none of their business. I’m glad that Geralda Dennison took the time to highlight this matter. We need more voices on issues like these.
How decent is the judgement meted out to this teacher? It didn’t matter to the magistrate that the Government was indebted to this young man for three months; never ever took into consideration his teaching worked load- such invaluable service.
Frank Fyffe
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