Head of the Teaching Service Commission (TSC), Hyacinth Guy, said yesterday she was concerned that there were no "major security checks" into teachers' backgrounds before they entered the Teaching Service.

Guy and members of the TSC appeared before the Joint Select Committee (JSC) of Parliament appointed to enquire into Municipal Corporations and Service Commissions yesterday at the Office of Parliament at the International Waterfront Centre in Port of Spain and answered questions on the operations of the TSC.

"I looked into it and I am not aware that any certificate of good character is required at this point," she said.

Guy said she was not 100 per cent sure whether would-be teachers and assistant teachers were even subjected to drug testing.

"I could not say that for sure but I know their medical is done way into the temporary appointments," she said.

Guy said the some teachers could be in the system for as long as two years before any medical tests are done. The medical only becomes mandatory when a temporary appointment became permanent.

"It is up to the Ministry (of Education) to implement this. Have the teachers get a certificate of good character at least. That way we would know if they are wanted in a particular district at the very least," she said.

Guy also proposed the introduction of psychometric testing for teachers.

"Are we taking in psychos in the schools? We want to know and we need to know these things about their personality," she said.

JSC member, Transport Minister Devant Maharaj, a known close friend of Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha general secretary, Satnarayan Maharaj, raised the same question (Satnarayan) Maharaj asked on several occasions.

"Who among the TSC can make a judgment on what is acceptable under the Hindu religion?" the Minister asked.

Guy pointed out that the TSC often met with the denominational boards to better understand the details of the various religious teachings, especially when an issue regarding "religious and moral" standing is raised at a denominational school.

Maharaj (Sat) sat in the public gallery and nodded when that question was raised. After the session he charged that the TSC did not consult with denominational boards before appointing senior school positions.

"The Association of Denominational Boards met last week and they complained that they are not consulted on the appointment of deans or principals," he said.

He said the TSC would now be seeking to "change direction" after the findings of the High Court case involving the TSC and resigned teacher Kamla Jagessar.

He later met with Guy and two other TSC members in the lobby and told them that the ruling by judge Sebastian Ventour had them "backtracking".

In a convivial back and forth, both sides laid out their arguments regarding their positions on the Tunapuna Hindu School.

"I told you all what she (Gajadharsingh-Nanga) do and you all do nothing," he told Guy.

—Renuka Singh