Suspended former president of the Bahamas Union of Teachers Belinda Wilson has claimed that she and her team have been exonerated of all the charges they faced, claims that are being strongly challenged by BUT Secretary General John Musgrove.
In a press release Mrs. Wilson said it will only be a matter of time before she and her team members are vindicated.
“For approximately one year I, along with two officers Lorraine Knowles and Mizpah Pintard Munroe have been suspended from the Bahamas Union of Teachers amidst allegations and accusations of malfeasance.
“All of the audits factual findings were that there is no money missing, no money was stolen, none of the money spent was used personally but for and on behalf of the BUT and all money was accessed in accordance with the union procedures.
“The police conducted and completed an investigation and they have determined that there will be no charges levied against anyone and the case is now closed,” Mrs. Wilson said.
However, Mr. Musgrove says Mrs. Wilson’s claims are unfounded because the organization has yet to receive an official police report adding that there is an outstanding forensic report.
“The Executive Committee of The Bahamas Union of Teachers wish to express our disappointment that suspended officers Belinda Wilson and Lorraine Knowles has once again attempted to bully their way back to work on assumption of a letter that they had their lawyer prepare.
“While we, the Executives would be happy to have the said officers back at the table to answer to numerous other breaches and improprieties. A final forensic report is still outstanding, and the National Secretariat or Executive Committee have yet to get an official report from the Police.
“Our Organization will continually fight to uphold the highest operation standards and best practices. Therefore, if the suspension of any officer is lifted, there will be an official written communication to that officer and this will be further communicated to the members, Mr. Musgrove said.
The recent BUT elections took place under very unusual circumstances with only 9 of the 12 positions being available on the ballots due to the ongoing court case.
