Minister of Education, Dr. the Honorable Natalio Wheatley, has disproved claims that teachers who participated in the recent strike will not be paid, as initially reported in the media.
The Minister responded to the issue during a Live update hosted tonight, October 31st that alleged that teachers would be docked a portion of their salary for not showing up to work.
“This is a blatant falsehood, and I question the motives for seeking to mislead the public.”
“According to Section 92 and 93 of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, the Governor, acting in accordance with the advice of the Teaching Service Commission, is responsible for all matters of discipline for teachers. I have instructed my Permanent Secretary to provide a full report of the events of last week to the Teaching Service Commission, and I, specifically, asked that the Ministry recommend that no teacher is penalized for the actions related to the sickout between Wednesday 27th October and Friday 29th October.”
While salaries remain unaffected, Dr. Wheatley invited the teachers to engage in dialogue with the Ministry to come to a more amicable resolve.
“However, I am requesting that the teachers return to the table of dialogue, so we can work together on rectifying these matters. We have a legal and moral responsibility to educate our children and prepare them for a bright and prosperous future. I also ask that teachers engage through the Teachers’ Union, which is the legal entity constituted to negotiate with the government on such matters. Working with each other will always achieve more than fighting with each other. I am a willing and committed partner in this fight for a better education system.”
MINISTER SLAMS MEDIA FOR MISINFORMATION
In an invited comment, the Minister said he is outraged that local media neglect their journalistic imperative to fact-check information before dispersing to the public, especially at the expense of our students.
“It is irresponsible to report inaccurate information. The public trusts the news they receive from media organizations. It is essential that all due diligence is taken to ensure that this information represents the truth,” he said and added that local journalists have direct access to Ministers and should utilize that line of communication to query the credibility of claims.
EDUCATION OVERHAUL REQUIRES MONEY AND SUPPORT FROM LEGISLATORS
Tonight’s Ministerial update follows days of controversy regarding teachers’ unending calls for a complete revamp of the educational system.
It is no secret that successive Governments have failed to prioritize Education. For years educators and parents have tirelessly called for mold remediation and increased salaries, among many other valid concerns.
The Minister within his updates also spoke to these age-old concerns.
“Teachers I have heard your cry, and I acknowledge that you are right. It always seems that money can be found for emergencies in other areas, but I declare to you teachers, I recognize we are in an emergency situation, and we need the resources to fix it.”
He also called on fellow Legislators to walk the talk by supporting a $2 million allocation for maintenance of the schools within the upcoming budget that will support an overhaul of the Education infrastructure and meet pertinent demands.
“Let me affirm, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that our teachers have undisputably valid concerns that must be addressed. Therefore, I would never feel offended when anyone says they stand with teachers. I, too, stand with teachers. We all should stand with teachers.”
“But standing with teachers is not enough. We must put our money where our mouth is. We must back up our talk with action. I challenge all elected members in the House of Assembly to support the allocation of 2 million dollars in the upcoming budget for a complete overhaul of our schools. Let’s make sure that every single school has the money that is required to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for our children,” he added.
TEACHERS UNION DID NOT CO-SIGN TO STRIKE SAYS MINISTER
Over the last few days a significant number senior and primary school teachers have protested current working conditions.
The Minister highlighted that the Teacher’s Union communicated that they did not co-sign to or was aware of the strike.
“…these events were not planned by the Teacher’s Union, and the president of the Union expressed no knowledge of these events prior to them occurring.”
Dr. Wheatley said the Ministry has been in consistent dialogue with the Teachers Union on a number of grievances that teachers wished to see addressed, many of which are in the process of being resolved.
These include recently approved payment for two past-due increments, a $300 stipend and continued conversations on moving students from the Pasea Campus back to the Lower Estate Campus of Elmore Stoutt High School.