Reid

There is some disquiet among some members of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) over the appointment of Ruel Reid, executive member of the association, as adviser to the Minister of Education.

The members are suggesting that the former JTA president's appointment, which took effect last week, represents a conflict of interest.

Mr. Reid's duty is to advise Education Minister Andrew Holness on matters relating to teachers and teacher relations, such as promotion, reclassification, funding of the transformation process, and the Government's policy on auxiliary fees.

According to a senior member of the JTA, who requested anonymity, the conflict would arise as Mr. Reid would be participating in salary negotiations as a member of the JTA and, at the same time, he would be advising the minister on salary negotiations, among other things, for the island's teachers.

Uncomfortable

The JTA member also claimed several other members were uncomfortable with Mr. Reid's appointment.

However, Dr. Adolph Cameron, secretary general of the JTA, said he was unaware of the disquiet among members. He noted, though, that the matter would be discussed at the JTA's General Council meeting, which will be held later this month.