The Board of Management of the Belmopan Baptist High School met in an emergency session this afternoon to decide what they'll do about Principal and School Counselor Norman Willacey - who's admitted to "messing around" with a 16 year old former student.
Late reports are that the board has decided to suspend Willacey pending a 15 day investigation.
And while we await official word on that from the school, the Baptist Association of Belize has taken the lead on disciplining Willacey. After meeting with Willacey, the Belmopan Baptist Church and the child's mother they have made their initial findings.
And, based on that, their release says that, quote, "(Willacey) has been placed on administrative leave from the church and pulpit pending the outcome of our investigation."
Now we're waiting for an announcement from the school management to see what they will do.
But the Minister of Education came out today to make it clear that it is a matter of urgency that they act decisively and swiftly:
Hon. Patrick Faber - Minister of Education
"I will tell you that I, at this point of the day, I am every disturbed, and very concerned that the Baptist Management has not acted swiftly. In fact, I have asked my CEO to indicate to them that they must do something the situation - at least put out some kind of release to say what it is they intend to do, and I am asking for that to be done by today. It's not that the Government can necessarily punish Baptist Management in any way, and there is no need to create a quarrel about this. I am making the plea to the Baptist Management to deal with this matter swiftly, to make right whatever slow pace they've been going on so far, and in dealing with the rest of the situation, because of course, you know that they can't try the man and produce a verdict in one day. Do it according to those rules, and move swiftly in getting just."
Jules Vasquez
"Sir, are you of the opinion that when school opens on Friday, Mr. Norman Willacey should not be acting as principal?"
Hon. Patrick Faber
"If it is - again, I am not privy to all the information. But if it is as you have said - and others are saying that there is enough evidence to give the impression that something wrong went on at that school - then yes, that -"
Jules Vasquez
"He confessed, sir. He told me and Mr. Sanchez in a text, and he told me what was in the text is true, that he and the girl messed around."
Hon. Patrick Faber
"If that is the case, then certainly, I support that he should be suspended while a proper investigation takes place."
Patrick Jones - Love FM
"Minister, is the teaching license for Mr. Willacey - is that in jeopardy?"
Hon. Patrick Faber
"Of course, the Teaching Services Commission - and you will understand that in the past, a lot of these instances have happened. It is unfortunate that at this time, it is a pastor, a principal, and a counselor, but there are many instances where teachers are found in this position of molesting students, or of having this kind of relationship with a student, and the managements or the administrations of the schools find out about it, and then just quietly covers it up. Sometimes, the parents themselves don't want a big situation to develop out of it, and it is just hushed and quieted. We are insisting in this instance, and in others that come up now, it is our push from the Ministry to say to people, report these incidents, so that the Teaching Services Commission, which governs the services of teachers, or ensures that the managements do what they are supposed to be doing in terms of the services of teachers, know of these accusations at least, in the cases where they are found guilty, know of this and put it on a record, so that whenever they leave one school, and attempt to seek a job at another school, whenever it reaches the commission, they are blocked."
And, also today a group called the Belmopan Area Coalition of Churches sent out a strongly worded message expressing their, quote, "deep sadness, shock, and dismay at the recent events regarding the terrible moral failure and wrongdoing of Pastor Norman Willacy, one of our own." It adds quote, "Our hearts are broken that one of our own has abused this sacred charge for personal gratification. This sin is severe, inexcusable, scripturally and morally wrong, and we condemn the actions & wrong choices in the strongest manner possible."
And it concludes by saying, quote, "We urge in the strongest way possible that Pastor Willacy step down from both church and school…"
The Prime Minister's wife, who is the special envoy for women and children also weighed in today. She sent a letter to
Pastor Manny Cowo Chairman of the School Board, warning him that, quote,"Pastor Willacey's actions nonetheless constitute a gross abuse of power and trust, not just to the child in question, but to her family, the school and community."
Mrs Barrow adds, quote, "I urge the Board to at the very least immediately suspend Pastor Willacey from his duties if the Board deems it necessary to investigate the full extent of the matter."
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