A senior director in the Ministry of Education has been sent on leave pending an investigation into allegations of "plans to disrupt the work of the ministry".

In a stern letter dated March 20, 2008, to Cheryl Davis Ivey, director of executive services at the ministry, a copy of which was obtained by The Gleaner, Maria Jones, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education, claimed that Davis Ivey has been spearheading an agenda to disrupt the work of the Ministry of Education and conse-quently, the nation's education system.

Jones, who has been permanent secretary since 2005, declined to say what was the agenda of Davis Ivey and how the stated disruption would result.

"This is an active investigation and it would be irresponsible to be making any comments in the newspaper," Jones told The Gleaner when contacted yesterday. "If it has been put in the newspaper to frustrate the investigations, then it won't work."

Minister unaware

Minister of Education Andrew Holness told The Gleaner that he was not formally informed of Jones' move to send Davis Ivey on leave.

"I have not been made formally aware of this action and I have no comment to make," he said.

Tight-lipped

Davis Ivey was also tight-lipped when asked to comment on the matter. 'I am a civil servant and I am not in a position to comment on what is happening at the ministry whether it is affecting me or not," she said.

Davis Ivey, who has been in the position since 2002, said she does not have an agenda as alleged in the letter. While not stating her next course of action, she said she would be following due process if needs be, which may include taking the matter to the Public Service Commission and, if necessary, to court.

This latest development comes at a time when it appears tensions are running high between Jones and some senior officials at the ministry.

A document obtained by The Gleaner lists allegations of intimidation, email screening and acts of humiliation by Jones to senior members of the ministry.

Jones, however, rubbished those claims. "That's not true, that's absolutely not true. That is absolute foolishness," she stated.

Holness also said that he was not formally aware of any tensions within the ministry.