SVGTU holds press conference

Executive members of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union (SVGTU) held a press conference on Tuesday, August 25, to update the public and its members on the happenings within the organisation and its plans for the rest of the year.{{more}}

Vibert Lampkin, Public Relations Officer, expressed the organisation’s approval with the new date for the opening of schools on September 7, 2009.

Lampkin also announced that the SVGTU recently held a meeting with the Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Laura Browne, Chief Education Officer Susan Dougan, Chief Personnel Officer Tyrone Burke and Budget Director Edmond Jackson concerning the matter of Reclassification and its progress thus far.

He related that the Prime Minister assured the SVGTU that talks can now resume to “arrive at an amicable solution.” Lampkin further divulged that the organisation’s executive will soon meet with officials from the Ministry of Finance. “We hope that… the matter can be laid to rest.”

At that meeting, the Prime Minister also gave his assurance that graduate teachers will be appointed in primary schools from January 2010, and that teachers entitled to graduate allowance from the last academic year will begin to receive it shortly.

SVGTU President Sheldon Govia took the opportunity to encourage teachers to attend the organisation’s Branch Day on September 2nd at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex. It will address the issues of the teaching service commission and the Constitution, the proposed new collective agreement, an update on the Reclassification, and teachers’ rights and responsibilities.

On September 18, the SVGTU Executive will visit the Southern Grenadines branch to discuss matters concerning teachers in Mayreau, Canouan and Union Island.

Govia also announced that over 30 teachers will be granted leave to pursue further studies.

Elvis Charles, acting First Vice-President, and Hugh Wyllie, Industrial Relations Officer, were also present.(JSV)