To describe the revelation of an alleged drinking party at a school premises by faculty and ancillary staff members as concerning would be an understatement.
The icing on the cake was it allegedly escalated into a fight between a teacher and ancillary staff.
What good is a party without the consumption of alcohol and what good is consuming alcohol without fighting?
The answer is quite obvious.
Moreover, that it allegedly happened on Government property by the learned, who supposedly should uphold the rules and policies of the school, is unfathomable.
The Ministry of Education’s 2020 Drug and Substance Abuse policy is clear:
“MEHA staff are strictly prohibited from drinking Kava, alcohol or any other Illegal Drugs or Substances on School/Government premises during office hours and will be referred to for disciplinary action if discovered doing so.”
On kava, the policy is also clear it “may be used for Ceremonial Purposes or Official Functions only”.
According to sources, the occasion was said to be a farewell for another teacher who was to leave the school. It was alleged that kava was consumed followed by alcohol.
While many may ask when did the incident occur, the more pertinent question is how long has drinking been going on without the ministry’s knowledge?
Again, the answer is obvious. But it has only come to light until the allegations of assault surfaced.
The Ministry of Education is now investigating the alleged incident.
Whichever way the outcome may be, the ministry must and should send a clear message, and that there should be no consumption of alcohol, period!
For how can we expect our students to be on good behaviour when our teachers and support staff cannot?
The Public Service Commission policies are also in line with that of the ministry’s.
Permanent Secretary for Civil Service Parmesh Chand alluded to a circular addressed to the more than 35,000 workforce that the consumption of Kava and liquor during working hours in government premises or offices except for ceremonial purposes with the prior approval of the PS concerned.
As we await the report and facts, let’s start having constructive meetings that will bring good change for the school.
If it has to be a farewell, it should not stop those involved from taking it elsewhere. Let’s respect the policies and the schools we teach and serve at.
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