NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2024 16 By the Board of Trustees THE ROLE of the Trustees is clearly set out in the Jamaica Teachers’ Association’s MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION and such bylaws as may be approved by the General Council and ratified by the Annual Conference. The main predecessor organisation, the Jamaica Union of Teachers, modelled itself on the National Union of Teachers of the United Kingdom, to which it was affiliated in 1906. The role of the Trustees (three at that time) was a rather demanding one as the fledgling Union sought to establish its financial viability. The Board of Trustees of the old Union oversaw all aspects of the financial affairs of the JUT and functioned as its finance committee. Indeed, the Board of Trustees was the de facto finance committee. It is to the Board of Trustees that the successor Association, the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, owes its current stable financial base, its rather large real estate portfolio and other investments. As early as the 1895 Annual Conference, held between April 17 and 19, fees were set at the rate of Six Shillings (6 S) per annum, payable quarterly. A Reserve Fund was also established and a specific percentage was set aside from said fees. The early Trustees also supervised the Union’s Reserve Funds, and later, supervised the acquisition of the Union’s first property at 97 Church Street. Later, in order to develop thrift among teachers, the Trustees oversaw the creation of the Teachers’ Mutual Aid Society Limited (TMAS). This was the first foray by the Union into such a financial enterprise. The TMAS was given the assent of the Union on June 14, 1905, with its constitution duly signed by the following: J.G. Peat, Board School, T.B. Stephenson, Calabar School, A.L. Walcott, Central Branch School, L.A. King, Mico College, C.E. Skyers, Mico College, A.L. Neita, Mico College School, T.A. Aitman, Wesley School, A.E. Thompson, Secretary. The Constitution spoke eloquently of the Society’s purpose: “Whereas it is desirable to establish the principles of co-operation among the Elementary School Teachers of Jamaica for raising the status and ameliorating the condition of its Members, this Society is established. (a) “To encourage and promote the habits of thrift, self-help and self-reliance among its members.” (b) “To acquire and secure the safe and profitable investment of capital.” (c) “To foster the continuous and individual interests of its members in the Teaching Profession and in the Educational affairs of the island.” (d) “To carry on any industry, business or trade specified in, or authorized by, the rules including dealings in any description of land; and generally, to effect such reforms as are desirable and necessary to the advancement of its members and the profession.” “In pursuance of which the above are made fundamental principles on which the Teachers’ Mutual Aid Society, Limited under the auspices of the“Jamaica Union ofTeachers”is established; and by which all transactions thereof should be guided on behalf of the members of the said Society.” RAISING FUNDS The TMAS was governed by a Committee of Management consisting of ten persons, including the THREE trustees of the Union. The TMAS paid an annual bonus to shareholders, enabling themselves through individual and collective action 10 percent as well as a triennial bonus. The TMAS predated the Jamaica Civil Service Mutual Thrift Society, established in the aftermath of the labour upheavals of the 1930s, and the Father John Peter Sullivan’s Sodality Credit Union, the first credit union in Jamaica. Indeed, the Trustees of the JUT were, by creating the TMAS, already applying the very principles employed by our African Ancestors to enable the teachers to achieve financial advancement in a post-emancipation economy that did not extend credit to the Black working and peasant class. The TMAS morphed into the Jamaica Teachers’ Co-Operative Credit Union in 1959, and then into the JTA Co-Operative Credit Union by resolution in 1978. Having regard to the objects of the TMAS as outlined in the Constitution of 1905, the JUT under the guidance of its Trustees, set about the realisation of Article (d). From the acquisition of its seed property at 97 Church Street, through the island wide mobilisation of teachers to raise funds by various means. The acquisition was spearheaded by A.A. Robinson, President, 1934 assisted by Trustees E. L. Salmon and W.A. Dillon and greatly assisted by a Ways and Means Committee, created at Annual Conference 1934. The Committee comprised Miss Mae Wright, Treasurer; Miss D. McPherson, Miss I.I. Thompson, Mrs. Mary L. Knibb, Miss Amy B. Bailey, (Secretary), and Miss May Keane. ONE THOUSAND POUNDS LOAN The Trustees negotiated a loan of one thousand pounds Sterling to secure the property, which was to be repaid by funds raised by the Committee. In November 1934, the Committee reported only 22 pounds and 8 shillings. This was deposited in the Union’s account at the Bank of Nova Scotia, Kings Street. To fund the project the Executive recommended: 1. “For 1935, the buildings remain as they are – as a revenue-earning project. At the end of which period, the matter shall be reopened for further consideration.” 2. Continuation for Appeals for personal donations from J.U.T. Members 3. Drives in schools. 4. Fairs in suitable areas. 5. Elocution contests in Kingston. 6. Appeal from the NUT, and other bodies, and citizens who are not members. 7. Sacred concerts. 8. Grant from the RESERVE FUND, if necessary. The role of trustees in the proprietary development of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association COMMEMORATING 130 YEARS OF TEACHER TRADE UNIONISM PLEASE SEE TRUSTEES, 47 JTA 60TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE JUT Home old house
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUzNTI=