The following is a response by the executive management staff of the Ministry of Education to a news story published in The Gleaner of March 25. Signatories to the letter were Jasper Lawrence, chief education officer; Barbara Allen, director, planning and development; Marcia Carvalho, principal finance officer; Henry Harley, senior director, HRMA; Lauriston Wilson, director, project management, technical services; Ruth Morris, director, HR modernisation; Michael Beckford, chief internal auditor; Salomie Evering, deputy CEO, core curriculum; and Everald Douglas, deputy CEO, school operations.

"Contrary to the misleading allegations published in your newspaper, the executive management of this ministry is in full support of the Permanent Secretary Maria Jones. Additionally, there is every indication that the permanent secretary enjoys the support of her staff and maintains positive relationships with them.

"Notwithstanding, the leadership of any organisation, particularly one of the complexity of the Ministry of Education, is a gruelling task. A responsibility which includes correcting staff, reinforcing policy and where necessary enforcing disciplinary actions. As unpopular as some of these actions might be, it is incumbent on the leader to follow through and do what is best for the organisation. It is not uncommon for unpopular decisions to be misunderstood by those who are not knowledgeable of all the facts. Sadly, sometimes this cannot be avoided and must, therefore, be managed where it occurs.

Presence in the ministry

"The executive group of this ministry can confirm that Mrs Jones is a felt presence in the ministry. Her open-door policy and her interactive style of management have been critical in maintaining a healthy relationship with staff, particularly as we embark on the programme to modernise the ministry. We have the highest esteem for the fairness and fearlessness with which Mrs Jones makes decisions, even where such decisions are likely to be unpopular.

"The executive management is in full support of the actions taken by the permanent secretary to preserve the integrity of the education system. We recognise that she is impartial in her judgement and where she is in disagreement, she does so with reason, always giving constructive criticisms. We categorically state that there is no tension or unease in the relationships which we share with Mrs Jones.

"As the investigations continue, and they must, the senior executives wish to register our total support for our leader who has to date done a remarkable job at the helm of one of the largest and most important ministries in this country."