KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, Mar 5 2015 – A secondary school teacher who is facing two “obscene writing” charges arising from statements she made on Facebook has been suspended from classes.
Jozette Bibby-Bowens, who appeared in court earlier this week, was told Wednesday that the Public Service Commission (PSC) had instructed that she be suspended “in view of the criminal proceedings which have been instituted against you…”.
In a “confidential” letter sent to her by Chief Personnel Officer, Corinne Gonsalves, the teacher was told she had been suspended on half pay “with immediate effect”.
“Further, pursuant to Sec 45(5) of the Public Service Commission Regulations, you are restricted from leaving the state without the permission of the Public Service Commission,” the letter indicated.
Bibby-Bowens, who teaches information technology, electronic document preparation and management and accounting, pleaded not guilty to two charges of obscene publication when she appeared before a magistrate in Kingstown on Tuesday.
The prosecution suggested that station bail, which was granted on Monday, be continued and she will re-appear in court on March 17.
The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union (SVGTU) said while it recognises free expression and does not condone the violation of the laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in any form, “the reported grounds for and manner in which the member was brought before the law are cause for grave concern.
“The SVGTU stands resolute in support of the member since the law presumes innocent until proven guilty. In the meantime, we continue to support members’ right to continue to share their views on national issues.”
* The photo with this story is credited to I-Witness News
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