Professor Claude Montgomery Packer: Tyranny at The Mico University College
By Dwayne Brown
Many are appalled at the lack of moral integrity, the act of cronyism and nepotism, as well as despotism demonstrated by Professor Packer, the president of the Mico University College in Kingston. In spite of, the institution's vision to make the university college one of many choices in the Caribbean for persons pursuing degrees in Teacher Education, the president has abused work ethics and has carried out atrocities that are in violation of the labor laws set out to run all public Education organizations in Jamaica.
An administrative staff member who worked at the institution for several years, wish not to be identified by name, said, “my job security has been threaten, because of my utterly vocal opposition to the president’s colonial method of divide and rule style of leadership to this day.” A big problem in Jamaica’s work force is that there are no job opportunities for young professionals and college graduates, because retired workers are holding those job positions hostage and the practice of despotism forces many out of a job.
For instance, the president only employ retirees from other institution who are loyal and will support his decision be it good or bad, in fact, he himself is a retiree (74 years of age). This is a public institution and not a private one. Anyone who challenges the president, his/her tenure will be terminated, be it lecturer, support staff or administrative staff.
During my investigation, I have learned that on several occasions the excessive abuse of power by the president has resulted in staff members being unduly fired, and lives being threaten. For example, in May 2011, the former Director of Communication & Marketing Miss Totlyn Oliver, who has contributed immensely to the institution and overall education system was inhumanely escorted from the campus by security, based on false allegations.
Similarly, in November 2010, Nurse Owen, was relieved of her job no more than twenty four hours after she was attacked at home. She was robbed, gun butted, and subsequently hospitalized after the attack. Her termination letter was delivered by the president's personal security. It was believed that, the nurse discovered serious and questionable discrepancies in monitory engagement of the University by the president which raised several questions and alarms. Hence, her services were no longer needed.
Additionally, in August 2010, Mr. and Mrs. Barette were lecturers (married couple) who served the institution with integrity. One in history and Social Studies, and the other in Library Education department. Their jobs were terminated against the background that both have abandon their jobs. The actual reason for terminating their jobs was based on the premise of constant challenges posed by Mr. Barette to the president tyranny which he pointed out in several staff meetings. These challenges were not taken lightly by the president. However, at the same time, the practice of nepotism was rife within the institution. For example, the president's daughter and son-in-law were employed at the institution, as well as both individuals were never interviewed for the positions that was never advertised in the first place.
According to the Ministry of Education, there should be transparency in the operation of all public education institutions, questions must be asked and answers given. How can one individual be made to run a public government institution with such subjectivity? Is this individual autonomous? Doesn't he answers to a board or to the Ministry of Education? This is an institution with a vision & mission to serve Jamaica, but if placed under serious scrutiny would be found wanting.
Furthermore, Professor Packer's mismanagement of The Mico University College affairs were highlighted when NewsTalk 93.fm in late September 2012 reported “Decision by Principal and Board of Mico University College to terminate employment of lecturer to go before Judicial Review.” The lecturer, Mr. Alvin Lawson, was unjustly terminated in August 2011, due to a failure in communication between the Ministry of Education and the College Board to retain his job. The Judicial Review, is an actual lawsuit filed against Professor Packer and the Board by Mr. Lawson.
For an institution that has been contributing to at least 65% or more of the teaching fraternity each year, to be mired in all of these discrepancies and ethical violation, will it not have a negative impact on those who are being prepared to go out and contribute to the education system? I must ask against the background of all these issues that the Ministry of Education begin an investigation into learning institutions that are given public funds to contribute to nation building, however, have used government funds selfishly and for personal gains.
This is an utmost outrage...This Man needs to go. Too much corruption in Jamaica. The government should intervene.
ReplyWhat good would the intervention of a corrupt government do in a matter of corruption within a government institution if not exaserbate the corruption?
Hey! Just read your blog, commented but i don't know if it went through.
Reply"For a long time it has been my belief that cronyism and nepotism are destroying key institutions in Jamaica. They eat away at the very source of development for the human resources and as such must be sought after and corrected. This President, based on what I understand is conniving, corrupt and maliciously unethical. His choices and leadership are dangerous to those he is set over.
The Ministry of Education and that of Labor must task themselves with getting people like him out of the system. We cannot afford this sort of culture to be the legacy of esteemed institutions of learning. Mico has a serious problem on its hand and too many are suffering professionally and economically due to his presence in such a pivotal role. Something must be done as soon as possible. Well written Dwayne. We need more people to highlight the crevices of corruption in our country. "
I attended Mico for a year ---- what we sew is what we reap....from the nurse right down to the lecturer in question...I have no pitty, sympathy or nothing nice to say....
ReplyI really heard this man had been acting crazy when he took over the position from Mr. Shirley. He started out first by not allowing the 157th batch to graduate. Then he dissed a lot of veteran teachers. This is not good at all.
ReplyThis is so sad ... not my alma mata
ReplyThis is a sad thing when one man can hold an institution hostage, with such contempt and ruthless behavior.
ReplyExcellent article, in the case of Ms Oliver unfortunately Jamaica's loss will undoubtedly be someone else's gain.
ReplyExcellent article, in the case of Ms Oliver unfortunately Jamaica's loss will undoubtedly be someone else's gain.
ReplyHe's 74yo......age and Alzeimer's will see him in diapers pretty soon..no worries
ReplyThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyThis is unbelievable. Not the Dr. Packer who taught me Calculus during my undergrad years at UWI. This is a shame. He should know better.
ReplyWhile any sane person would not want to condone disreputable behaviour which you ascribe to Dr. Packer, I want to inform the young man who wrote the article that his suggestion that cronyism is a Jamaican phenomenon needs a good deal of education. His self-righteousness is juvenile and ridiculous. Also, I marvel that he would not be sensible enough to ask someone to edit his attempt to write standard English. Mr. Brown, your article falls short of the high standards you want to champion.
ReplyIt was purported that Professor Claude Packer has tendered his Resignation to the Board of Mico University... He is expected to leave in September... Too much corruption. Good reporting young man. your writing is comprehensible.
ReplyThe entire truth will come to light.
Jamaica is a colony and as a result has ti be run as aristocracy as us essential to restrict power to selected few.
ReplyIt is such a shame that if Professor Packer has been involved in the misdemeanors trumpeted, that there would not be some sober way of addressing the issue. I too abhor inequity in dealing with our fellows, but how does the precipitous dismissal through hateful inuendos and malicious attacks help to improve the situations derided by this young "house-cleaner"? We Jamaicans need to learn to value our own in light of what prevails in the rest of the world.The shackles of servitude can be eradicated with effort.
ReplyWhat are you babbling about
I read with great care and interest the article designed to "bury" Dr. Packer for all the evils he is purpurted to have perpetrated on the faculty of the Mico. When I read the "testimonies" given by the nurse and some others, I find it incomprehensible that the roles they played were ones in which they ought to have been involved in the first place. There seems to be a great deal of indiscipline all over, and each complainant ought to do some self-examination. I hope level heads will prevail in dealing with the "problem".
ReplyI am still waiting to hear how the sitation mentioned above is being treated. I expect this won't be another modern-day lynch mob at work.People are dismissed from their jobs all over the world, often after much thought. Dr. Packer cannot be called an inconsiderate guillotine operator.
Replythis is unfortunate!
ReplyClaude Packer is noted for things like these.
ReplySad, that such comments should be made about someone who has contributed so much to The Mico. One should ensure information presented is indeed correct before publishing.
ReplyNot only Packer but Mrs. Hemina Davidson from Guidance has destroyed a number of people's lives. Believe me, there so much dirt buried at Mico
ReplyNobody makes comment to articles like these when the writer is so coward as not to even want to accept responsibility for his actions. People have better use for their time.Note that the article was written by a notorious criminal.
ReplyThere is always two side to a story.......people in Jamaica believe in "hear seh" too much.... the question is "what was the reason for their termination" ...
Replyyou live life like its you last......you work in your job like its you last.... i hope when you are in management, and people aren't performing to your expectations .....dont terminate them keep them....and lets see what will happen...
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Next time, before you publish your articles, please, please have someone who knows basic grammar, proofread for you...hope you did not attend THE MICO.
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Totally disgusting. Time Mr Packer put his hat up while the going is good for him. I am embarrassed for him and his family.
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Don't worry, he has prostate cancer...so the wicked bastard will suffer
ReplyIs this what Jamaica has come to ? An idiot being allowed to gloat over another's illness? Shame on you, bunch of fools. There was a time when people were intelligent enough to express sympathy for one who has an illness, even something that might have been brought on by the victim. So, people have become pawns in the myopic eyes of non-thinkers who see illness as punishment from some source. Shame, shame, shame. Winnie