PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Dec 22, CMC – The College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT) says it is aware of a comment made on social media attributed to an individual identified as an employee of the institution.
“COSTATT wishes to make it clear that views expressed by employees on their personal social media platforms are made in a private capacity and do not represent the official position, values or views of the College “ COSTATT said in a statement.
While COSTATT did not name the employee, media reports here said that the person in question is one of the College’s lecturers, who took to social media to support the government of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
In the comment made on Facebook under a story carried by TV6 News, the individual wrote: “Go the (expletive) back to Africa, and you’ll be out of it! Learn to temper your stink mouth in UNC (United National Congress) Country” and “PNM (People’s National Movement) will remain in opposition forever”.
In another comment posted on the site on November 30, the same individual wrote that “Kamla is God in Trinidad so once you choose to be in Trinidad UNC Country then Kamla owns you. Stop beating up like a wet fowl and acknowledge your boss Kamla.”
In its statement, COSTATT said it is a public institution “firmly committed to equal access to education and opportunity for all.
“The College does not condone racism, discriminate or hate speech in any form. Respect for diversity, across race, religion ethnicity, gender and culture is central to our mission and to the communities we serve.
“As an institution dedicated to to education, social mobility and national development, COSTATT upholds the principles of fairness, inclusion and mutual respect, and repects all members of its community to act in a manner consistent with these values”.
COSTATT said that the matter is being addressed in accordance with its established policies and procedures and that it “remains committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and respectful learning and working environment for students, staff and stakeholders”.
COSTAATT was established on October 27, 2000, by an Act of Parliament merging several existing institutions to form a single, multi-campus community college for broader tertiary education access in the country.
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