PHILIPSBURG--Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) President Claire Elshot-Aventurin (59) has professed her innocence of the charges being levied against her.

 

In a press release issued on Tuesday, the WITU board called for Elshot’s release. The union said it has been keeping close tabs on the situation regarding the detention of the union president. The union has established contact with Elshot via her lawyer. In a written statement to WITU Vice President Corinne Lejuez-VanPutten, Elshot has “emphatically denied the charges levied against her.”

 

“I trust that the investigation will show clearly that I, Claire Elshot-Aventurin, am innocent. My reputation of being calm and composed throughout meetings and using social dialogue as the tool to reach any and all tangible solutions is being violated,” the union quoted Elshot as saying in her statement.

“I didn’t in any way write that post nor have I given anybody permission to do that. I have led my union

with integrity and respect.”

The board “strongly” advocated Elshot’s release from detention “taking into consideration all the persons who depend on her leadership and for the investigation to have its due course and for justice to be served,” the union said.

 

The board urged the public to keep Elshot in their prayers “during this trying time and pray that she is released as soon as possible.”

Elshot and her son were arrested on Monday, December 5. Her son F.R.E (35), who is suspected of threat, was released on conditional dismissal on December 8, and will have to serve 50 hours of community service, but Elshot remains detained. Elshot appeared in front of the Judge of Instruction on Thursday, December 8, and in his decision on Friday, December 9, the judge prolonged her detention by eight days. She is suspected of threat, insult and libel.

 

The Daily Herald