By Svetlana Marshall

THE Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), with the backing of the Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC), has criticised the Ministry of Education over its decision to modify World Teachers’ Day activities, limiting celebrations only to the classrooms. In the past, World Teachers’ Day in Guyana was observed in a grand way with schools holding church services, rallies, concerts, and even visits to various resorts.
But when the occasion was observed on Wednesday, such activities were prohibited by the Education Ministry. In fact, teachers were all required to work, contrary to the norm.
At a press conference held at GTU’s Head Office, General Secretary Coretta McDonald said the Education Ministry disapproved the customary “Managers’ Day” without consulting with or informing the union.
Managers’ Day usually paves the way for public educators to celebrate World Teacher’s Day outside of the classroom. As such, they are not required to report to work. Notices of the disapproval were reportedly issued to the Regional Education Officers on Monday.
McDonald said while teachers in other Caribbean territories were allowed to socialise and reflect on the lives that they have transformed through their profession, in Guyana it appeared as though “World Teachers’ Day would have died”.
As a result, representatives from the teachers’ union carried a black flag signalling the death of the day.
“The Guyana Teachers’ Union is very, very disappointed and we feel very disrespected,” McDonald told reporters.
According to her, the decision by the acting Chief Education Officer Marcel Huston took teachers by surprise, given that the union was given all assurances weeks ago that permission would have been granted.
“What I know for sure [is] that teachers have felt this blow and teachers are as flat as a tyre that is punctured,” she said.
However, McDonald said those in authority must remember that teachers are valuable assets to society, noting that such a decision should never be taken again.
As a result of the decision taken, many of the activities planned by teachers across Guyana were cancelled.
GTUC President Leslie Gonsalves expressed his disappointment as well, positing that the union should have been consulted before the decision was taken.
“It is unfair, unfitting and it is discrimination for the chief education officer to say on Monday that today teachers cannot observe World Teachers’ Day,” Gonsalves said.
He said too that the ministry, particularly the acting chief education officer, should indicate clearly who disapproved the day and why.
“We believe that it was not only done at the level of the CEO, which is the chief education officer, we would want to find out what is the input from the Minister of Education himself regarding this whole issue,” Gonsalves opined.
He added that “teachers are hardworking people” and the decision is not only disrespectful, but takes away from the rights of GTU and its members and the rule of law.
The GTUC President said too that “The two months that are given to teachers that were made mention of, teachers during that period would have to attend workshops, seminars, and various areas of commitment as it relates to the teaching profession.”
The GTU had made several attempts to make contact with the CEO but was unable to do so. As a result, it is awaiting a written response from the Education Ministry to ascertain the reason behind the decision.
Attempts by this newspaper to contact officials from the Education Ministry proved futile. According to UNESCO, World Teachers’ Day represents a significant token of the awareness, understanding, and appreciation displayed for the vital contributions that teachers make to education and development.