–opts for early retirement to safeguard benefits

FORMER Mackenzie High headmaster, Mr Gary Roberts, has found himself in a spot of hot water after it was revealed to the Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) Department of Education (DOE) that he was dipping into the school’s coffers.
Following the revelation, an investigation was launched into the matter, and according to Regional Education Officer (REO), Ms Marcia Paddy, Roberts has opted for early retirement after realising that he was facing dismissal, which would have resulted in his losing whatever benefits he was entitled to, gratuity and all.

The matter was raised at the Regional Democratic Council Statutory meeting on Monday, where Regional Chairman, Renis Morian, expressed concern over the issue, since Roberts, in a letter to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), is refuting the DOE’s claims.
According to the Regional Chair, the DOE has apprised, by way of a letter, the Ministry of Education’s Chief Executive Officer(CEO)Mr. Marcel Hutson, of their findings, based on their investigations.

The Guyana Chronicle has learnt that in an effort to bring closure to the matter at the earliest opportunity, the Department has recommended to the CEO that the monies Roberts filched be deducted from his benefits.
This was reportedly done so that the reins of the school can be formally handed over to Mr Robert’s successor. In the interim, however, Ms Carlotta Nurse has been acting as HM since September 2016, when Roberts proceeded on retirement.

“It is as a result of the Department writing the Ministry of Education, after we found all of these discrepancies, that the HM opted to go on early retirement, because he would have been dismissed because of the findings,” Ms Paddy told RDC Councillors. She also revealed that the Department’s first option was to give Roberts time to make restitution.
“We would have given him time to rectify most of them; but, as it is, he is still indebted to the regional administration,” the CEO said.

Pressed further on the matter on Monday, Ms Paddy explained that Roberts could not have given account for all of the school’s liquid assets, such as the $100,000 for the school’s Home Economics Department, which cannot be accounted for.
“We were working with him since last year,” Paddy said. “I called him and said this matter needs to be completed; the $100,000 from ‘Home Econ’, we are not seeing if it was deposited or expended; just show us a deposit slip or a receipt.”

She said that after much time had elapsed and they seemed to be getting nowhere with Roberts, as he continued to deny any wrongdoing, the matter was finally referred to higher authorities.
She went on to explain to the Council that should the school be handed over without the matter being resolved, then it is the acting HM who will now be indebted to the Department.

After hearing the CEO out, the Regional Chairman asked that an audit of the school be done so that the discrepancy claims can be backed up by audited documents, since there is nothing preventing the former HM from challenging the DOE with a court injunction, given that he has already falsified the claims.
Regional Executive Officer (REO), Mr. Gavin Clarke, who noted that the former HM is currently abroad marking CSEC papers, said that upon his return, he will summons him to a meeting in the presence of both the CEO and the Regional Chair, so that together they can iron out the matter. “As soon as he returns, I will pursue that matter,” Clarke said.

Mr. Gary Roberts acted in the position of HM when former HM, Ms. Cheryl McDonald went on retirement in 2011. He was appointed in 2014. Prior to that, he for many years taught Mathematics and Information Technology to the CSEC and CAPE level students.