Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath has voiced profound alarm following revelations in the 2024 annual report of the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) indicating that five educators face allegations of sexual misconduct involving female students. While emphasizing the TSC’s constitutional authority over teacher discipline, Dowlath asserted his ministry’s proactive stance in addressing such violations.
The minister characterized the commission’s findings as raising ‘serious matters’ that demand urgent attention, particularly regarding student safety and educational environment integrity. He clarified the institutional framework, noting that while the TSC holds primary responsibility for disciplinary investigations and determinations, the ministry maintains vigilant oversight and cooperation protocols.
Dowlath outlined specific protective measures already implemented, including immediate action requirements for schools upon identifying misconduct. These measures encompass student safeguarding, mandatory reporting, and interim protocols. In severe cases, the ministry may formally request the TSC to suspend teachers immediately during investigations—a protective measure without prejudicing disciplinary outcomes.
Where alleged behavior constitutes criminal activity, matters may be referred to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) for independent investigation alongside administrative proceedings. The ministry is concurrently strengthening internal monitoring, reporting mechanisms, and supervisory systems to enable earlier detection and appropriate escalation of concerns.
In response to these incidents, Dowlath detailed several concrete initiatives: enhanced guidance for school administrators on incident management, improved documentation and case-tracking procedures, strengthened teacher supervision systems, and specialized professional development focusing on ethical conduct and child protection. The ministry is also modernizing policies to streamline disciplinary processes while respecting all parties’ rights.
The report, presented to Parliament on November 21 and publicly reported on December 18, documents 16 pending sexual misconduct cases involving three primary and two secondary school teachers. Allegations range from single to multiple offenses per teacher, with none currently facing criminal prosecution. Dowlath concluded by acknowledging the majority of teachers’ professionalism while emphasizing the necessity of robust systems to protect students and maintain educational integrity.