Outgoing SVGTU head reflects on her tenure

As the sun sets on the term of the outgoing president of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union (SVGTU), Wendy Bynoe says she is looking forward to the opportunity to reset and refocus.
Bynoe, who was elected in 2018, was unseated last week by Oswald Robinson for the upcoming two-year term.

Her tenure will officially come to an end in April, when the newly elected executive will take up their duties after the Biennial General Meeting.

Bynoe told SEARCHLIGHT that she was able to accomplish a number of milestones during her two-year stint as president.

“On a more personal level, I was elected to serve as the 2nd Vice President of the CUT (Caribbean Union of Teachers) for the 2019 – 2021 Biennium,” Bynoe revealed. “I also served on the Elections Committee at the 8th World Congress of Education International in Bangkok, Thailand. Furthermore, I am an elected member of the Commonwealth Teachers Group for 2019- 2023.”

The teacher also noted other “wow moments” that she was instrumental in bringing about in the last two years.

Chief among them were: “reactivating the 10 branches; reviving the dormant general council; re-engaging the government in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement after 15 years; negotiating an affordable group medical insurance plan, homeowners’ insurance, and motor vehicle insurance for all members of the SVGTU”.

Other achievements include the unveiling of the wall of fame to recognize past presidents; paying homage to 10 retired members at the inaugural SVGTU President’s Award Ceremony and Cocktail and hosting the 39th Biennial Convention of the Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT).

Bynoe said one of the joys of coming to the end of her tenure is that she is able to reflect on the journey and remember all who helped and supported her along the “rough but fulfilling road”.

“I wish to thank all the persons who were there to give me an occasional push, offer words of encouragement and motivation. Each in his or her own way guided me through hurdles, provided support, and much needed focus,” the outgoing president said.

She also expressed gratitude to her children, Cassie-Anne and Cody, who “do not realise how much they have helped me through these two years and were an encouragement by just being there.

“They selflessly and willingly shared me with the members of SVGTU. Thank you for allowing me to attend meetings and other union functions by putting up with my absence,” Bynoe said.

She described members of her executive — General Secretary, Sister Nikiesha Williams; PRO Brother Jonathan Roberts; and first vice president, Brother Andrew John as soldiers who were often sources of strength when she needed it most.

Bynoe also thanked chairpersons and members of the committees, presidents and secretaries and other executive members of the 10 branches.

“I cannot thank them enough for the involvement they have shown and their willingness to take on the completion of tasks beyond their comfort zones,” she said.

To the incoming executive, Bynoe issued a reminder that they represent a diverse group of educators.

She said diversity was a positive thing and implored the executive to manage it in such a way that it unifies the members of the Union, which in turn will propel the organisation forward.