Convent case adjourned to next year

The case between a disgruntled parent and the Ministry of Education, the St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown (SJCK), and senior education officials, has been adjourned to next year.{{more}}

Justice Wesley James, who presided over the matter when it resumed in the High Court last week Friday, adjourned the case to January 29, 2014.

“I am aware that there are a number of persons in St Vincent and the Grenadines who have an interest in this matter, but it cannot be disposed of today, because the principal party, the Cluny School Board has not yet been served, and without the school board being served, this matter cannot proceed as it should,” Justice James told a packed courtroom, consisting of education officials, principals, teachers, and members of the public.

Last month, the parent brought a suit against the Ministry of Education, principal of St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown Calma Balcombe and senior education officials, after her daughter was transferred from the SJCK to the Emmanuel High School, Marriaqua.

Lawyer Jomo Thomas is representing the woman, who sat alone on a bench at the front of the court.

Most of Friday’s matter was dealt with in James’ chambers, where he spoke with Thomas and counsel for the defendants, Attorney General Judith Jones-Morgan.

When the matter finally came before the court, Justice James explained that the Cluny board, which is the SJCK’s management, had not been served.

“I enquired of counsel for the applicant whether service had been made on the Board of Cluny. I have been informed by counsel that he can find no affidavit of service, so I conclude that the Board has not been served.

“I believe had they been served, they would have been here… so the matter can go no further for today,” Justice James said.

Before dismissing the parties, the judge advised Thomas to have the Board served so that the matter can resume.

SEARCHLIGHT has been reliably informed that the child at the centre of the matter is now a student of the Thomas Saunders Secondary School.(JJ)