Teachers show solidarity with march, rally
The St Vincent and the Grenadines Teachersâ Union (SVGTU), last Friday, filled the streets of Kingstown with the sound of singing, as its members took part in its annual march and rally to commemorate the Teachers Strike of 1975.
The march and rally, held on Friday, November 14, was part of the SVG Teachersâ Unionâs {{more}}week of celebrations â Solidarity Week.
President of the SVGTU Oswald Robinson said that he is proud to be leading the Union at this time â especially in light of the struggles that teachers have historically gone through.
âWe continue to reflect on the past to examine the current situation, and to chart a better course for our teachers, for education and for the nation,â he asserted.
âWe are in new times. We are experiencing new challenges, which are impacting on teaching and learning. It is impacting on the rights and freedom of workers. As a Union, we have to continue to take the lead!â
Robinson said that although the Union has progressed a great deal since its inception, there are still serious issues that the SVGTU is continually working on resolving. These include large class sizes, working conditions, pensions and salaries.
In particular, he criticized the fact that although the rate of inflation has increased, the average teacherâs salary has remained âstagnantâ.
âThis is not a time to sit back and be idle,â insisted Robinson. âWe have to examine every single move that is made… We have to hold each othersâ hand and march forth to victory. If we fail to do this, we would have done injustice to those who have led the struggles of 1975.â
Another issue he highlighted was the placement of individuals into teaching positions, without having received proper teacher training.
âThe state must be held accountable for this. If we are going to have quality teaching, we need quality teachers!â
Robinson further called on teachers to not let partisan politics divide the efforts of the SVGTU, and lauded them for going âabove and beyond the call of dutyâ to ensure the holistic development of the nationâs students.
Also delivering remarks at the rally was Julian Monrose, president of the St. Lucia Teachersâ Union.
Monrose spoke on issues that affect teachers, not only within the region, but also internationally â citing the disproportionate distribution of wealth globally as one such factor.
He further pointed out that with governments cutting spending on education, health and welfare, the need for unity among teachers and workers unions was never more important than now.
âThe working people of the Caribbean…have a role to play,â he said. âEvery time we raise our voices for the promotion of social justice, we contribute value to the international struggle for a better world.â
Monrose also stressed the importance of education to âsocial and economic transformationâ which, if neglected, can weaken a countryâs ability to compete in the world.
SVGTU treasurer Vibert Lampkin also gave brief remarks, and representatives from the SVGTUâs sister unions also delivered solidarity messages.(JSV)