Tensions have surfaced between the Ministry of Educational Transformation and the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) over whether the union’s concerns were addressed ahead of the new school year, with both sides accusing each other of misrepresenting consultation efforts.
The ministry pushed back against the union’s suggestion that its concerns were disregarded, describing claims of non-consultation and ignored proposals as “surprising” and “untrue”.
Responding to a public statement from BUT General Secretary Gilbert Carmichael, Chief Education Officer Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw said the ministry had not only worked alongside the union in the days leading up to the term’s start, but had received no indication of dissatisfaction.
“You will recall that the Barbados Union of Teachers, over the course of the last two weeks, and in particular last week, joined the Ministry of Educational Transformation on tours of our schools, especially those schools under renovation,” she said. “They expressed satisfaction as it relates to schools being ready, having toured with the Ministry of Educational Transformation.”
Archer-Bradshaw added that executive members of the union met with ministry officials the Friday before schools reopened and expressed appreciation for the work done to prepare school plants.
“There was no indication of dissatisfaction at that time. In fact, they expressed significant praise for the Education Technical Management Unit and the work that they had done over the summer period,” she pointed out.
In a statement issued late Tuesday, Carmichael said the union had requested short deferrals at some schools to allow for the completion of critical works, but those proposals were not taken on board.
He accused the ministry of unilateral decision-making.
“The most egregious example of this occurred at the Princess Margaret Secondary School,” Carmichael said.
BUT General Secretary Gilbert Carmichael. (FP)
“The BUT was initially involved in walkthroughs and submitted recommendations . . . yet the ministry proceeded to conduct a further site assessment, made decisions regarding the closing of school, and did so without any communication to or inclusion of the BUT.”
He further noted that teachers were called to meetings about working conditions without BUT’s presence and warned that the union’s role could not be sidelined at convenience, adding that “such exclusionary practices will not be tolerated”.
But the chief education officer maintained that the ministry has upheld its responsibility to engage.
“Any suggestion or claim of non-consultation or proposals for deferrals from the union falling on deaf ears is not only surprising but untrue,” she said. “The Ministry of Educational Transformation has firmly committed to having open dialogue and communication with stakeholders and to the delivery of education transformation for our children, teachers, and other members of staff.”
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