There is on our part zero tolerance for any unacceptable behaviour within any one of our institutions…Chief Education Officer, Dr. Fiona Philip-Mayer
At least two high profile cases of sexual misconduct on the part of persons in authority, namely a leader in a faith-based organization and a teacher within the school system are presently occupying the attention of the Vulnerable Persons Team of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.
THE VOICE has been reliably informed that a report was made to police of a religious leader’s sexual involvement with a minor and that this particular person is currently under investigation for allegedly engaging in sex with a minor.
Allegations of sexual misconduct between a male teacher and female students at a local learning institution also surfaced, forcing the Ministry of Education to make a statement reiterating its zero tolerance of unacceptable behaviours within the school system.
On Thursday, Chief Education Officer Dr. Fiona Philip-Mayer sent a strong message condemning acts of sexual misconduct in the island’s education sector.
“We are confronted with a situation that is rather of a sensitive nature because it involves one of our schools,” the Chief Education Officer said.
She added, “We are keenly aware that all procedures have been followed in terms of dealing with the matter as a matter of urgency.”
“There is on our part zero tolerance for any unacceptable behaviour within any one of our institutions, and so we continue to work with the necessary authorities as well as our counselling teams to ensure that everything possible is done to bring the matter and resolve it in a manner that is acceptable as well as fair in terms of the delivery of any measures thereafter,” Mayer said.
According to her the Ministry moved urgently on the matter.
“We want to thank all individuals who have contributed to the success in terms of the processes involved and as we move forward we would like to reiterate that there is zero tolerance for unacceptable behaviour on the part of any adult within our education system,” she added.