The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemdia.net

SUSPENDED Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) president Belinda Wilson has begun campaigning for the organisation’s June 9 elections, even though her name does not appear on the ballot.

Mrs Wilson visited Grand Bahama last week to garner the support of the teachers on the island.

Wilson said that she filed an application with the Supreme Court for an injunction to stop the elections if her name and the names two other suspended officials do not appear on the ballot.

The Tribune spoke to secretary general John Musgrove yesterday who confirmed that none of the suspended officials were on the ballot. “I have prepared all the ballots, they have been printed and sent out to the various polling stations,” he said.

Two names appear on the ballot for president: Zane Lightbourne and Jackie McKenzie. Belinda Wilson has been rejected for the position of president.

Therez Conliffe is the only name that appears on the ballot for the office of Treasurer. Lorraine Knowles was rejected for the position.

Four names appear on the ballot for the two Trustee positions. Mizpha Munroe has been rejected for the position of trustee, and Jeanie Johnson has been rejected for the executive member position.

Mr Musgrove said that the people were all rejected by the Electoral Commission and the Candidates Committee.

He noted that Mrs Wilson and the other suspended members have an option to make an appeal at the annual general meeting, which will be held next month after the election.

Mrs Wilson claimed that teachers in Grand Bahama were very receptive to her during the two days she spent in Freeport campaigning.

In December 2014, Mrs Wilson and Treasurer Lorraine Knowles were suspended due to concerns from the union’s executive committee that more than $1.1m from the union’s pension and savings account was wrongfully spent.

The pair was initially suspended for six and three months respectively; however, Mrs Wilson has since been suspended twice more.

Mrs Wilson said they are still members who are in “good standing to be nominated” as they have continued to pay their monthly dues despite their suspension.

The three have retained the services of Wayne Munroe, QC, to represent them, according to Mrs Wilson, who said a summons has been served on the union.