We feel more involved in the education process- GTU President -credits leadership of MoE for improvement

The President of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) Mr Mark Lyte has said that the relationship between his union and the Ministry of Education (MoE) has improved tremendously and has credited the leadership of the MoE for this new disposition.

Mr Lyte noted that although the relationship has improved there are still issues to be addressed by the union and the MoE. It is against this backdrop that Mr. Lyte advocated for a closer cordial relationship between the MoE and the Guyana Teachers Union. The President said Guyana Teachers’ Union remains committed as a partner in the education process. “We understand our role here in Guyana. Our children’s future lies squarely at the feet of the teachers and the MoE”.

During a presentation at the Regional Education Officers retreat in Region 8 (Potaro-Siparuni) in Madhia, Lyte said that he being invited to present at the forum is testimony to the improved relationship between his body and the education ministry.

During his presentation to REdO’s, an educator himself, Lyte said “your goals for education in the various regions/education districts cannot be achieved without the teachers you manage”. It was at this juncture that the GTU President said that the ‘we vs you’ relationship that previously existed between the GTU and the MoE has no business in the education system.

He believes that it is imperative that the two parties work collaboratively for the benefit of the nation’s children. The President used the forum to share with the education officers some issues of concern to his union. “The movement of teachers within the region/district without the approval of the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) is an issue of concern to us”. However, the President was assured that such occurrences will not prevail since there was a new TSC installed.

In a very ‘frank’ and cordial discourse Mr. Lyte noted that there are some Health and Safety issues in some schools. He urged the MoE to address the infrastructural needs of schools. Notwithstanding these and other challenges, he believes that the relationship the union share with the MoE is one that is continuously improving and this augurs well for the education system.

Further, Mr. Lyte said that he is hopeful that Cabinet finds favour with the recommendations contained in the report prepared by the High Level Task Force on Teachers Salary Increases. He said that if these recommendations are implemented, it will produce greater collaboration between the MoE and the GTU.

Meanwhile the Deputy Chief Education Officer (Administration) Ms Ingrid Trotman said that it is now a policy of the MoE to have GTU officers present at functions hosted by the ministry. She said that this is important since the GTU plays a very important role in the education delivery process.

Trotman also revealed that her ministry will ensure that monthly meetings with the GTU and her body are held so that there can be information sharing between the two parties so that the children benefit in a meaningful way.

The Minister of Education Hon. Nicolette Henry since assuming her current position called on all concerned in the education process to work in unison for the advancement of the education system.