THE A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has moved to the courts in a challenge that could stall promotions and appointments of the Guyana’s educators, following legal action filed against the recent appointments to the Teaching Service Commission (TSC).
APNU Member of Parliament, Terrence Campbell, on Tuesday, filed a Fixed Date Application in the High Court seeking judicial review, with the aim of quashing the appointment of three members of the TSC. The application argues that the appointments were made without “meaningful consultation” with the Leader of the Opposition, as required by Article 207(2)(d) of the Constitution.
Campbell’s move threatens to paralyse the operations of the Teaching Service Commission, a body with responsibility for critical human resource decisions within the education system. The TSC oversees the appointment, promotion, transfer, discipline and retirement of teachers, and any disruption to its work could have wide-reaching consequences for schools nationwide.
President Dr Irfaan Ali had previously defended the decision to move ahead with the appointments, stressing that prolonged delays in constituting the Commission would be detrimental to the education sector. He noted that thousands of teachers were awaiting promotions, confirmations and other administrative decisions that can only be lawfully made by a properly functioning TSC.
“I don’t want a new term to start without having the Commission in place to make important decisions that would allow the quality of teaching to improve and also allow more opportunities,” President Ali said following the swearing-in of the commissioners. He added that holding back appointments would directly affect teachers’ careers as well as the efficient management of the education system.
APNU’s court challenge contradicts its earlier public position. In previous statements, opposition figures had called for the prompt appointment of commissions, including the TSC, arguing that delays were unfair to teachers and other public servants whose advancement depends on these bodies being operational.
Recently seven members were sworn in to serve on the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) which is set to play a critical role in shaping the country’s education system.
Those administered the oath of office at the ceremony, which was held at the Office of the President, were Doodmatie Singh, Shafiran Bhajan, Joan Davis-Monkhouse, Lancelot Baptiste, Satti Jaisieriisingh, Mayda Persaud and Saddam Hussain.
Dr. Ali, during his address at the swearing in ceremony, highlighted the critical role of the Teaching Service Commission in shaping the future of Guyana’s education system, stressing that effective governance is fundamental to national development.
“The Future of Guyana’s education system does not begin in the classroom alone. It begins with trust in institutions that govern those who teach. The Teaching Service Commission is one such institution,” the President said.
He explained that the Commission holds a wide-ranging constitutional mandate that impacts teachers, students and the education system as a whole.
