66% increase for CPCE trainees in 2018

Following constant outcries from those within the teaching profession regarding poor remuneration packages, President David Granger on Thursday announced that a 66 per cent increase in stipend is in store for trainees attached to the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) come next year.
The Head of State was at the time speaking at the 83rd Graduation Exercises of the CPCE. While applauding the efforts of those taking up the responsibility of moulding the minds of the nation’s youths, Granger indicated that improving teacher’s profile has been at the forefront of his Government’s agenda.
As such, he indicated that the Administration has listened to the distresses of the College’s teachers in training and outlined the increases which are to take effect come 2018.
“We have been very concerned about the low level of stipends and from financial year 2018, resident trainees will have an increase in their stipends by 66 per cent,” he told
The President detailed that, “resident stipends will be moving from $5500 to $9160 and for non-resident students, from $7500 to $11,440.”
It was just weeks ago that teachers came out in their numbers to protest the poor returns they have been receiving for their services to the country.
Stemming from their continuous public demonstrations, the Government had approved a six to eight per cent retroactive increase for teachers countrywide.
In recent years, the Guyana Teacher’s Union has managed to secure a five per cent increase for teachers countrywide.
However, they were this year hoping to see implementation of 45 per cent increase with 50 per cent hike up for all categories of teachers to follow over the next three years.