Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) opened its first Triennial Delegates Conference on Tuesday evening in the Bertram Hamilton Auditorium of the Union’s Woolford Avenue, Georgetown headquarters.
A section of the gathering at the launching of the GTU’s first Triennial Delegates Conference
The conference will conclude on Friday. GTU’s membership is being represented by delegates from all three counties – Essequibo, Berbice and Demerara.
President of the GTU, Mark Lyte in his address, said that the Union is proud to be recognised as one of the oldest and most vocal trade unions in Guyana.
He is quoted by the Department of Public Information (DPI) as saying that there has been an improved relationship between the Education Ministry and the GTU. He said that the Union recognises that healthy partnerships are paramount to any successful partnership.
He added that as a stakeholder in the delivery of education to the Guyanese populace, the GTU is committed to ensuring that regular meetings are held and decisions taken, are carried. He said that there must be a continued collaboration between all stakeholders in the education sector to ensure the smooth implementation of policies.
Further, the GTU President said that the Union has experienced several achievements over the last three years. He said that several of those achievements were directly related to the honouring of specifics agreed to in the last Memorandum of Agreement between the Ministry of Education and the GTU.
Regarding the business of the Triennial Delegates Conference, Lyte said that the event seeks to engage each participant in meaningful discussions so that the future of the Union can be brighter.
“As a union, we are not limiting ourselves to trade union matters but also to the business of education and the relevant changes we need to vehemently support which are critical to the advancement of an educated nation,” DPI quoted him as saying.
Education Minister, Nicolette Henry in delivering her message said that the contributions of teachers and the GTU to the development of Guyana are recognised and respected.
She said that with this recognition, like so many other countries, Guyana is working assiduously to strengthen its human and social development platform and that a key part of this effort is the preparation of empowerment of citizens with the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to realise sustainable development.
She said that the Ministry is aware that the Guyana Teachers’ Union has responsibility for ensuring that the working conditions and welfare of teachers are satisfactorily met.
Moreover, Minister Henry noted that this year, the two parties are back at the negotiating table working towards even more favourable outcomes.
During the opening session, the GTU showed its appreciation for those members that have made significant contributions by distributing several awards. There was also the awarding of the Presidential Medal to three members. Those members that have passed away were also remembered.
