PM Browne: “We Have No Quarrels with the Teachers”
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has said the government holds no animosity toward teachers amid recent industrial action over unpaid allowances, insisting that his administration remains supportive of educators.
Speaking on Pointe FM on Saturday, Mr Browne stated: “The executive has no quarrels with the teachers or the teachers’ union for that matter.” He added, “They have come to the Cabinet on several occasions, and everything they have asked for, we have given to them.”
Teachers across the country staged a week-long strike over outstanding lab coat and telephone allowances, prompting concerns about the impact on students sitting major exams. The government said that payments had been issued incrementally and confirmed that all outstanding cheques were disbursed by Friday.
Mr Browne expressed concern about the continuation of the strike after the payments were made.
“By Wednesday, there were only six individuals who had not received their cheques,” he said. “We pleaded with union officials—‘It’s only six people now. Please go back to work.’”
He criticised the strike as “disproportionate,” especially during the third school term when national assessments and external examinations are underway.
The prime minister also said the government had shown “full commitment” to all public servants and noted that the issue was not due to a lack of resources but administrative delays.
“I was actually on their side. I was calling public servants, including the Chief Establishment Officer, saying, ‘Look, process the documentation. Expedite the documentation so they can get the pay,’” Mr Browne said.
He reiterated that the majority of teachers remained dedicated and professional.
“I’m not saying we don’t have empathetic and sympathetic teachers—teachers who have gone beyond the call of duty,” he said. “We value our teachers.”
While acknowledging some dissatisfaction, the prime minister said that leadership within the teachers’ union needed to ensure actions taken were measured and not politically motivated.
“We want our children to succeed,” he said. “Let us protect their future.”
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
Backtracking after his usual tantrum; even telling lies. He accused them of ‘playing politics ‘. SO WHAT?
Idiot Browne, when everybody in Swiss American Bank had strike for you back in 2000 I think and shut the bank down for the day for you to get your 200k severance, you had no problem because it was your money and you wanted it.
How now teachers want there money you are making yourself an ass with your silly comments.
Too late for damage control talking about you have no issue with teachers now.
Do this country a favor and just flucking go!!!!!!NOW