Another Failed promise in the APNU/AFC manifesto

Aug 20, 2018 Letters

Dear Editor,
Despite teachers are being labeled as supporters of the coalition government, President David Granger and Cabinet are reluctant to adhere to the demands of the Guyana Teachers’ Union.
A joint manifesto by APNU/AFC coalition government before the 2015 elections “Our Vision for Unity, Stability and Development” was a promise for a good life for all Guyanese. Notably in the manifesto under the Education section the coalition government highlighted that Education is key to social transformation and has several strategies aimed at boosting this vital sector.
Two critical strategies the manifesto mention is that the government would develop appropriate non-monetary benefits for teachers and increased emoluments (salaries) with improved working conditions for teachers.
After being elected to Government in May 2015 the GTU submitted its multi-year proposal for wage increases to the Ministry of Education. The subject Minister, Nicollete Henry, failed to represent the teachers’ issues and after two years on the 29th October 2017 the President David Granger intervened to avert a strike action with a delaying tactic of setting up a High Level Task Force to investigate and make the necessary recommendations to the MOE.
This High Level Task Force which included senior government Ministers failed to negotiate a reasonable package for teachers wages increase. This failed negotiation can demonstrate and expose the level of incompetence in terms of negotiations that exists in APNU/AFC coalition government.
Teachers are the heart of the educational system in any country or the world. The influence of teachers extends beyond the classroom well into the future. Teachers are the people who shape a nation’s future so it is imperative that the APNU/AFC coalition government STOP stalling the negotiations and increase their salaries and other allowances immediately. Teaching is more than imparting knowledge; it is inspiring change.
We must compliment the GTU President, Mr Mark Lyte, and the union for standing up against this selfish government and urge that the teachers support the GTU in this struggle, especially those teachers in Region Six, to ensure that their goal is being achieved.
Regards
Zamal Hussain