Officials are investigating allegations that a teacher (not pictured above) at Ivan Dawson Primary School instructed a student to gargle Pine Sol. (File Photo: AMANDA ULRICH)

Speaking last Thursday to JTV broadcaster Cathy Richards about allegations that a teacher at Ivan Dawson Primary School in Cane Garden Bay instructed a student to gargle Pine Sol as a reprimand for using foul language, Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture Minister Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley said a teacher “had made a mistake,” but did not provide further details.

“Because I wanted to understand exactly what took place, … this morning we are conducting interviews to make sure that we are apprised of all of the facts so there is an active process in place,” Dr. Wheatley said.

Once investigations have wrapped up and the Teaching Service Commission — which prescribes disciplinary actions for educators — makes a decision on whether and how the teacher should be penalised, the public, the teacher, the student and parents will be notified, Dr. Wheatley said.

The ministry has not issued a comprehensive statement since then, though media outlets have reported that the teacher involved has been placed on leave