By Petrina Francis, Education Reporter 
Gabbidon
THE MINISTRY of Finance has written off $20 million that were overpaid to as many as 80 teachers almost 10 years ago.
Wentworth Gabbidon, president of the Jamaica Teachers' Association told The Gleaner last night: "We got confirmation from the Minister of Education that it has been written off by the Ministry of Finance."
Mr. Gabbidon noted that the Association had been lobbying hard for the write off, adding that it was a good move by the Government.
"We feel justified. The teachers felt all along that they were getting their correct pay," he said.
EXCELLENT RELATIONSHIP
Meanwhile, Dorett Campbell, director of communications in the Ministry of Education said: "We have had an excellent relationship with the JTA this year and this is another example of what constructive dialogue can achieve. We are very happy that the matter is being resolved amicably and we are looking forward to a continued excellent partnership with the JTA for the coming year."
Senator Noel Monteith, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, told The Gleaner that the move to write off the over payment was good. "It is a wise decision. Many had committed to the new salary and it is difficult for them to repay that salary, especially those who had reached retirement," he said.
ULTIMATUM
On Monday, The Gleaner reported that the JTA had given the Government until next week to work out an appropriate solution to the on-going controversy surrounding attempts to reclaim some $20 million it began overpaying teachers almost 10 years ago.
Dr. Adolph Cameron, JTA'S general secretary told The Gleaner on Sunday that the JTA's central executive decided during a meeting on July 30 that the teachers' union would take legal action if an appropriate resolution of the matter was not reached before next week. The central executive, he said, had instructed the JTA secretariat to begin discussions with its attorney on the appropriate legal route to be taken if the Ministry of Education failed to respond.
