Valerie Marshall-Lodge - Ian Allen

With debate ongoing following the exclusion of nine schools from this year's ISSA GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Champs, Morant Bay principal Valerie Marshall-Lodge has made it clear that she bears no responsibility in that institution being prevented from taking part in the event.

The prominent eastern high school was not allowed to take part in the event, along with eight other teams, among them St George's, Innswood High, Frome Technical, Tarrant High, Garvey Maceo High, Annotto Bay High, Anchovy High and Norman Manley, following the submission of late entries.

blamed

"I was very upset when I saw that article as it was made out that I was the one to be blamed for what happened," said Marshall-Lodge. A previous article carried in this publication had stated that the principal was in charge when the entries went in late and also stated that she was a member of the executive of ISSA.

However, according to the principal, she went on pre-retirement leave in January and she has not been on the executive for the past three years, although she still does work at Champs.

"I have got several calls from past students and senior members of the school community as they see this as irresponsible."

problematic school

While clearing the air regarding her involvement, Marshall-Lodge, who has been principal of the St Thomas institution since 1992, when she was sent from the Ministry of Education to stabilise the then problematic school, in the same breath stated that it was a tragedy as the students had worked hard preparing for the meet.

A close look at history, however, would reveal that it is not the first time athletes have been prevented from competing at the event due to late entries being submitted by their schools. The most notable examples being the Vere team of 1976, then favourites, and Dinthill with the excellent Elva Goul-bourne in the '90s. In fact, since then, schools have continued to not be allowed to enter Champs for the same reason but no one has seemed to notice.

public outcry

"I think because more high-profile teams are now involved, there has been this public outcry," theorised ISSA Competition Chairman George Forbes.

Morant Bay have represented schools from eastern Jamaica with distinction over the years, with many athletes from the institution later transferring to schools like Kingston College, Wolmer's Boys and St Jago. Athletes that come immediately to mind include hurdlers Akeem Smith, Hansel Parchment and Tonique Sobah, while the likes of Wilbert Walker and Kimone Smith have both represented their school at the national level.