Robinson looking for sixth term as SVGTU president

Oswald Robinson, who is aiming to secure his sixth stint at the helm of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Union (SVGTU), is promising members “leadership you can count on”. 

That is the current president’s slogan for this year’s elections slated for February 22 and 23. He is being challenged by teacher and chair of the SVGTU’s Gender Committee, Nikeisha Williams for the top position. 

Following his election to the post in 2020, Robinson had said publicly that he did not intend to run for a second consecutive term. 

But he told SEARCHLIGHT this week that: “I reconsidered my decision and it is all in order, in terms of even my own conscience, there is a very delicate part of my heart which goes out to teachers, especially regarding matters of fundamental rights, freedom and socio-economic justice. It’s all about humanity, love and care for humanity”. 

The SVGTU began its battle in court with the government this week, having filed for a judicial review and constitutional motion with regard to the government’s vaccine policy for certain groups of front-line workers, including teachers, who lost their jobs for refusing to take a COVID jab. 

The union leader said that in this current situation, it makes no sense for him to abandon teachers at a time when his leadership is critical. 

“I have been very much involved, playing a pivotal role representing the Union. I have been interacting with the lawyers since we decided to go to court so it makes no sense to leave now,” he said.

“The teachers have selected me as president and many of the teachers, especially those who have been affected now, lost their job, begged me to stay on. Even people who are not teachers are highly dependent on these teachers and there are other people in society; they have been asking me not to leave at this time.” 

Robinson’s campaign poster also draws on his experience in advocating for teachers in similar situations, noting that as union head, he “successfully fought for Otto Sam, the three teachers, and countless others”.

The retired educator is currently serving his fifth term in office as president of the Union. His last tenure prior to this one ended in 2018. 

And before that, he was elected to the same position in 2001, 2003 and 2012. 

Robinson said he has given many years of service to his community and the union in various capacities, listing some of the most recent initiatives being the assistance he spearheaded for persons affected in last year’s volcanic eruptions and assistance given to teachers who lost their jobs as a result of the government’s vaccine policy. 

He also outlined several plans that he has already earmarked for another term, should he be elected once again in this year’s elections. 

These include negotiating for reasonably priced lands for teachers in the red zone to relocate and continued advocacy for the reinstatement of teachers who are now out of jobs, having failed to take a COVID-19 vaccine.

“I just want to continue to serve the teachers of this nation. I appreciate them very much and I will continue to work with our Industrial Relations Officer, Mr Andrew John, who is doing a remarkable job in responding and advocating on behalf of our teachers, with whatever grievances they have,” Robinson said.