A TEACHER of Richard Ishmael Secondary School took to the roof of the Woolford Avenue, Georgetown building yesterday, to protest what he perceived to be an anomaly with his salary. Sheldon Williams, who teaches the Fifth Form, spent some two hours on the roof, not fiddling, but shouting in frustration at what he believes to be unfair treatment meted out to him by the ministry.

He created quite a stir when he mounted on the top of the edifice around 09:00hrs and began, loudly, making his concerns known.
Shouting at the top of his voice, in full hearing of other staff and students, as well as passersby, among them nearby nursery pupils, he claimed also that the Ministry of Education had taken money out of his account in January and told him he would have to wait until June to get his pay.
He made mention, too, about leave and termination of his employment.
Upon learning of this development, other members of the teaching staff and students became curious and ventured out to witness the protest.
The concerned School Principal, Ms. Chandrowtie Persaud, quickly informed the Education Ministry by telephone, as well as other senior officials, including Principal Education Officer Mr. Baydewan Rambarran and Mr. Lance Jean-Baptist, and Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) President, Mr. Phillip Bynoe, all of whom went to the scene and tried persuading Williams to come down.
But the man continued demonstrating in clear defiance, insisting that he would only relent if the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Mr. Olato Sam shows up and gives him a hearing.
However, on being advised that Sam was sick and indisposed, Williams, eventually, came down to earth and the ministry officials present listened to him.   
Members of the media hastened to the location but were prevented from entering the school compound and were told it was against the rules of the institution for them to be allowed in, for carrying out interviews/investigations or taking photographs.
It was reported, subsequently, that a high level meeting was planned for later yesterday, between the Education Ministry and GTU representatives, to discuss the issue.