Education Minister Ronald Thwaites has fired Vinette Robb-Oddman, the board chairman of the Prickly Pole Primary School in St Ann, following reports that she disrupted classes to allow students to participate in a political protest.

The situation worsened when reports emerged that an 11-year-old student, Akella Lewis, died during the protest.

Political

Robb-Oddman maintains that the child did not participate in the protest.

However, the Child Development Agency (CDA) has confirmed that Robb-Oddman was among those who transported 19 students from the said school to participate in the political protest which took place in Claremont in the parish on September 18.

The CDA noted that Akella had boarded the bus as well, but fell ill before reaching the protest site.

Yesterday, Minister Thwaites issued the termination letter to Robb-Oddman in which he stated, "I am satisfied that you were part of a group who disrupted classes at the school and further that you participated in a demonstration where students from the Prickly Pole School took part,"

He also added that her actions were "contrary to the high standards of superintendence required of a school board chairman."

- S.W.