in light of the recent allegations made against the Regional Education Officer (REDO) of Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) by the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) accusing her of neglecting teachers’ rights and ill-treating them, the REDO has shot down the accusations.
The union had made reports subsequent to a meeting with teachers across the country where the issue had been highlighted and appeals were made for immediate action to be taken by the Education Ministry.
The initial report had highlighted that the REDOs of Regions Three and Ten (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice)
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had been harassing teachers over a number of issues relating to the school system.
However, when contacted by Guyana Times for a comment on the allegation, REDO of Region Three, Penelope Mackintosh, refuted the claims, stating that she has not been in receipt of any reports of this nature, even though the comment was directed at her. Mackintosh informed that she is not aware of the issue by any education official or the ministry, and is completely oblivious of the information surrounding the accusation, and what directly is bothering teachers.
“I am not aware of this, none of the region’s officials have been fingered in that issue,” she affirmed. Meanwhile, attempts to contact Education Minister Rupert Roopnaraine and Chief Education Officer Olato Sam were futile.
Last week following a meeting with teachers across the country, the GTU had reported that the main complaint was the manner in which they are being addressed by the REDOs who have authority over the affairs of the school system in that specific region.
As a result of the harassment, the teachers had reportedly made it clear that they are under immense pressure as the issue would inevitably hinder their overall productivity. Among the issues raised by teachers were the manner he teachers are being spoken to by the REDOs, in addition to the lack of communication which hindersfull progression of the public school system in that region.
On that list also, the matters regarding transferral to other departments and schools was highlighted, in addition to the difficulty in acquiring leave when due. These issues pointed to the inefficiency of the regional administration, where it had reached the point of intervention by the ministry.
In a recent interview with this publication, the union had described the treatment being meted out to teachers as “worst than slavery.”
It was reported that a letter had been set to the ministry alluding to the condition in the stated regions.
The teachers are appealing for urgent intervention and necessary actions to be taken in the situation. In this way, the union believes, that classroom teaching would not be affected.
