THE Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) and the Ministry of Education have acknowledged an improvement in their relations even as they pledged to continue to work for the betterment of teachers.

The sentiments were expressed on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the GTU’s first Triennial Delegates Conference at its Woolford Avenue headquarters.

Education Minister, Dr Nicolette Henry, and Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott, were invited to deliver remarks. According to a release from the Education Ministry, GTU President, Mark Lyte, stated at the ceremony, that there has been an improvement in its relationship with the ministry even as the GTU recognises that healthy partnerships are paramount to any successful collaboration.

The conference will continue until Friday, April 26, 2019 and the GTU’s membership is being represented by delegates from all three counties: Essequibo, Berbice and Demerara. It is aimed at facilitating engagement on how the future of the union can be brighter.

Lyte noted that the union has experienced several achievements over the last three years which are directly related to specifics honored by the ministry in the last Memorandum of Agreement signed by the two parties.

He said that the union is proud to be recognised as one of the oldest and most vocal trade unions in Guyana, and will continue to hold regular meetings and collaborate with stakeholders in the education sector for the smooth implementation of policies. “As a union, we are not limiting ourselves to trade union matters, but also to the business of education and the relevant changes we need to vehemently support, which are critical to the advancement of an educated nation,” Lyte said.

Meanwhile, in her remarks, Minister Henry said that the contributions of teachers and the GTU to the development of Guyana are recognised and respected.
According to the release, she said that, even with this recognition, Guyana is working assiduously to strengthen its human and social development platform. A key part of this effort was highlighted as the preparation of empowerment of citizens with the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to realise sustainable development.

She added that the Ministry of Education is aware of the essential work of the GTU of ensuring that the working conditions and welfare of teachers are satisfactorily met. “For this to be fruitful, continued collaboration between the ministry and the Guyana Teachers’ Union is therefore essential. This collaboration will also allow for an upward progression of our Education system and more significantly, the possible realisation of our nation’s socio-economic development,” Minister Henry remarked.

Moreover, she reminded that in 2018, the GTU and the ministry successfully negotiated wages, salaries and other benefits for teachers while, this year, the two parties will meet again at the negotiating table to work towards even more favourable outcomes.
At the same setting, Minister Scott said that the government of Guyana is keeping its promise to improve the education sector for all Guyanese.

He said that this commitment is evident in the substantial budgetary allocations towards the sector through the national budget. He encouraged the union’s members to demonstrate teamwork, as this an essential pillar in the unity that the GTU seeks to promote during its Triennial Conference.

Remarks were also given by Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) representative, Seepaul Narine; President of the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU), Sherwood Clarke; Member of Parliament and former Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand; Regional Chairperson of Region Four, Genevieve Allen and New Amsterdam Mayor, Winifred Heywood. The release stated that during the opening session, the GTU showed its appreciation for members who have made significant contributions to the sector by distributing several awards.

There was also the awarding of the Presidential Medal to three members, while members who have passed away were also remembered.