By Oswald Robinson President
The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union congratulates the Government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines on the attainment of its 43rd year of independence. This shows that SVG is a maturing nation and is capable of making decisions and taking actions that will ensure the success and prosperity of our people.
As a nation, we have achieved a great deal. The journey was not always an easy one but we persevered and can stand proudly as Vincentians.
The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union stands as a beacon of strength and determination as we confront the many challenges that face our members. We continue to provide representation for our members as we face the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the vaccination mandate. Throughout our 63 years as a registered trade union, we have not seen teachers dismissed as we have seen under the vaccine mandate: 212 teachers, most of whom were our members. This we are pursuing vigorously in the courts of law.
The National Executive under the leadership of President Oswald Robinson implore the authorities to right this dreadful wrong that is a stain on our blessed land.
Recently, the SVGTU was able to negotiate a 7% salary increase for our members along with other benefits. We continue to demand a safe and healthy working environment which is conducive to teaching and learning. Our teachers have shown that they are committed to the tasks and have worked under some of the harshest conditions as seen during and after the eruption of La Soufriere volcano in 2021. Many of them are still awaiting promised remuneration for work done in the shelters.
The National Executive ensured that highest priority was given to the appointment of teachers and from consultations with Ministry of Education, many of these teachers were assigned to their correct grades with many still awaiting this courtesy.
As a nation, we must continue to develop our human resources, therefore, our teachers must have access to proper training and adequate resources must be provided in order for our nation to grow. Teachers are indeed the strongest nation builders and are dedicated to committing their hands and hearts to providing a solid 21st century education to our children.
God bless our teachers! God bless all Vincentians! God bless our Nation and Happy Independence!
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