Nassau, Bahamas – 15^th September, 2015 – The Director of Education, Mr. Lionel Sands wishes to clarify reports made on Love 97 morning news, Tuesday, 15^th September, 2015. In the report, it was stated that a senior education official provided details to support the story. The Director wishes to advise the press that any information given on the grounds of anonymity is not to be regarded as credible. Furthermore, The Director of Education is the only person in the Department of Education authorized to speak on matters pertaining to staff. If the source cannot be named and does not wish to take ownership for information provided, there should be reason for concern.

This morning’s report asserted that there were 193 teachers still to be assigned to schools. The source provided inaccurate information and The Director of Education wishes to lay the facts on the table. During the 2015 teacher hiring exercise, there are a total of 193 teachers to be posted. The majority of that number has received letters of appointment and already posted in schools. In instances where posts remain vacant, the Department of Education has engaged Supply Teachers to fill the void until such time as remaining teachers are appointed and posted. As a consequence, no school should reflect a shortage of teachers.

The Department of Education has made a decision to end the practice of placing teachers in schools prior to receiving of a letter of confirmation. The Department of Education has been working very closely with the Ministry of Public Service to ensure that all outstanding applicants are processed as soon as possible without compromising the standard operating procedures of that Ministry.