THE BARBADOS UNION OF TEACHERS (BUT) wishes to respond to an article by Mr Matthew Farley in the last SUNDAY SUN under the headline Flogging In Schools: No Problem!

One of Mr Farley's claims found in paragraph five reads as follows: "It would appear as though BUT is part of a conspiracy to render schools in Barbados unmanageable by being part of the lobby to prohibit the use of corporal punishment, which is still legal in our schools."

For the last 35 years the BUT has been at the forefront of ensuring not only that schools are manageable, but also that the terms and conditions under which the teachers deliver education are acceptable.

The statement that the BUT is part of a lobby to prohibit the use of corporal punishment is unfounded and ludicrous and cannot be substantiated. Also, the BUT rejects categorically Mr Farley's equally scurrilous claim that older teachers are frustrated while the young and inexperienced ones do not care.

The fact is that the BUT, with the support of United Nations International Children's Educational Fund (UNICEF), commissioned a Caribbean Development Research Services (CADRES) survey to track public opinion on the use of corporal punishment and other educational issues. As a member of the National Advisory Commission on Education (NACE), BUT presented the findings of the survey to NACE.

That report contains no recommendation from UNICEF or BUT. Indeed, it is inconceivable that anyone who has read the report could reach the ridiculous conclusion that BUT is part of a conspiracy to render schools unmanageable. Moreover, BUT is on record advising the public that the use of corporal punishment is legal and that it is but one method of discipline available in schools.

It must be stressed, however, that this can in no way negate the right, indeed the duty of BUT to partner with other reputable agencies and organisations in search for information, data and ideas on major issues affecting the school system in particular and society in general.

It is to be hoped that commentators like Mr Farley will likewise seek to use relevant data and thought, rather than depend on baseless opinion, buttressed more by emotion than by logic.

Finally teachers and members of the public may access the report on the BUT website at www.butbarbados.org

KAREN BEST, president of the Barbados Union of Teachers