Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter

Blossom O'Meally-Nelson had indicated to her employers from as early as a year ago that she would only remain for one more year. - file

Dr. Blossom O'Meally-Nelson, was recently removed from her position as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Technology (UTech), after serving the institution for 18 years.

But Andrew Holness, Minister of Education insisted last night that she was not fired, noting that there was a mutual agreement for her to leave the institution.

"She was not fired. Our political system is just that firing is not what we resort to," Mr. Holness told The Gleaner.

He said he met with Dr. O'Meally-Nelson; President, Professor Errol Morrison, who took up office last March and the Chancellor Sir Bill Morris, based on information he had received that there were differences in management style, structure and personality between the administration and the Pro-Chancellor.

The Education Minister said that, in discussions with Dr. O'Meally-Nelson, he told her it would be best for her to give the new administration a chance.

"She agreed, but she didn't want it to appear that she was asked to leave her job because there was a change in the (political) administration,"said Mr. Holness.

The Education Minister said both he and Dr. O'Meally-Nelson agreed that she would voluntarily step aside by the end of last year.

He noted that he subsequently called her and he was told that the differences between the two offices were settled. However, Mr. Holness said further investigations revealed that the differences were still there.

"So I instructed the permanent secretary to send her a letter on November 12, thanked her for her years of service, and wished her well in her new direction," Mr. Holness said.

Asked why Dr. O'Meally-Nelson was specifically asked to leave, Mr. Holness said it was difficult to find a president and the selection process was a very rigid one.

He noted that the Office of the Pro-Chancellor had grown in power to rival that of the president.

"That wasn't supposed to happen and we can't afford for the university to operate in a political tug-a-war," Mr. Holness said.

petrina.francis@gleanerjm.com