Teacher forms lesbian group

One of Montego Bay's prominent high schools is being plagued by acts of lesbianism, allegedly orchestrated by a teacher.

"There has always been pockets of it taking place at the school over the years," said Betha recent graduate of the institution and former member of the group. "But she came and slowly got all the little groups into one and organised it in a way that no one would suspect anything."

"She is very approachable and respected by almost everyone that interacts with her, and is always hanging out with the male teachers of the school."

Beth, who at 17 admits to having "fooled around one or two times", says that every Saturday, there is group study at the teacher's private quarters, which is located in an upscale community in Montego Bay. The study, she says, normally has no fewer than 10 students.

"If you are constantly doing well in school, your parents won't even think twice if you want to go to study, so most of the students are normally there. There is also about three students from a neighbouring school that come by."

Beth said that there is no payment, no form of prostitution and "it is just plain fun among students." The former student said that on some occasions there is a "little fooling around" among the members of the group.

Unlike other reported cases where the girls involved are considered delinquents, every member of the group is said to be a good student and top performer at the educational institution.

"None of the students involved can miss class, and they have been consistently on top of their game as far as academics is concerned. One afternoon at her home she instructed all of us to stop wearing our thumb rings as teachers were using them to identify who were dykes," she said.

The STAR learnt that the teacher, who is originally from St. Ann, tries not to show any favouritism, however members of the group know who belongs exclusively to her.

"There are occasional cat fights among those that consider themselves in pole position, but apart from that she keeps every thing under control."

Beth says that the organised lesbian acts will not end soon as it is likely that the "freshers' will be targeted next school term".

Efforts by THE STAR to obtain a comment from the administration of the school proved futile. But when contacted president of the Jamaica Teachers' Association, Hopeton Henry, said that parents need to be more vigilant.

"Parents need to know their children, their friends and check on every information their child gives to them."

"I have heard about professionals and businesswomen stalking schoolsgirls but this is the first I have I have heard about a teacher," he said.

He said that for action to be taken by the board against the teacher in question, something must be done in writing. "One of the biggest problems is that the students will not report the teacher, worse if it's a consensual affair."

In terms of the teacher, Henry said that if she is found guilty, she could be charged with misconduct and be dismissed.