Broomes’ pain

Alexandra principal Jeff Broomes. (FP)

By Ricky Jordan | Wed, August 22, 2012 - 12:10 AM

With watery eyes glancing occasionally into an open Bible, Alexandra School principal Jeff Broomes said he could not recall all that happened last year but knew that, even though his late mother was very ill, the issue of fourth formers not being taught had impacted him greatly.

Recalling the events surrounding science department head Amaida Greaves that led to his December 2, 2011 speech day accusations – described as the last straw by some 30 teachers who went on strike a month later – Broomes said he had spoken to Greaves since the first week of the April-June 2011 term but she had refused to teach, even after he wrote her on May 24.

“I’m not going to pretend that May to June 2011 [was] easy in my life, sir. That was when the cancer started to make a greater impact on my mother, from which she eventually died,” he said in a faltering voice, before bowing his head, removing his spectacles and drying his eyes.

Glancing at the swearing-in Bible open before him, Broomes again told the packed commission room at the Gymnasium of the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex that he could not remember all that had occurred at the time, but the non-teaching of Form 4A1 “impacted” him.

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Posted by Carl Harper 9 months ago: Mr Broomes, you are more "human" than those who would rather have you removed from Alexandra. There is nothing wrong with shedding a tear as the memories of your late mother came rushing back during your testimony.

I can relate to your emotions as you had to deal with that stressful period last year as your mom lay dying and a teacher refusing to teach her class. Tears also stream down my face at the thought of my own loving and late mother.

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Posted by SANDREA BUTCHER 9 months ago: The same way that Mr Broomes can take time off from school to manage cricket teams that have overseas tours, he could have taken time off for his mom's illness. People need time to handle illness in the family.

Now I am a little confused about this Mrs Greaves case. I remember going to Sherbourne Centre for a meeting held by the BSTU. Mrs Greaves was supposed to teach a class which was on her timetable. When she gets there she finds a new teacher in her department that she knows nothing about. So she goes ahead and teaches what she has prepared. The next time she goes to the class the teacher is there, and informs her that the principal said that the new teacher is supposed to teach the class. Mrs Greaves does not go to the class any more. Then the new teacher leaves, but remember, the class is not on Mrs Greaves timetable anymore. The Principal informs Mrs Greaves that she has to teach the said class (he did not inform her of the new teacher that he hired, she was supposed to be at the interview anyhow). She refuses to teach the class. So is the class on her timetable or not? Timetables are set for the entire year at the other secondary schools.
But the Ministry, Principal, and BSTU should have handled this.

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Posted by wayne husbands 9 months ago: MR. HARPER,Why do you continue to state that the teacher refused to teach the class,when the evidence via the testimony and non rebuttal from broomes clearly indicates that it wasnt so?It was this same approach that laid the foundation for this mess. and even in this time of emotional pain for Mr. Broomes. you stand there trying to edge him on, ... I have garnered respect for Mr. Broomes, he has acknowledged he is human,and he apologized.. you my sir... is the epitome of prejudice and discrimination