Browne Suggests Political Interference in Classrooms Must Be Addressed
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has expressed concern over what he described as partisan political activity among a small number of educators, suggesting that some teachers may be influencing students with “dark values” and political agendas.
Speaking on the Browne and Browne show on Pointe FM, the Prime Minister said he received reports that some teachers are allegedly introducing political bias into the classroom and undermining professional standards.
“Some of them, they have issues, you know,” Browne said. “And they take them into the classroom. They take the politics in the classroom. Our children — they’re role models. They’ve been paid to educate our children, not to lead them astray and not to get them into parties and politics.”
He claimed that several principals and teachers had privately voiced concerns about the politicisation of classrooms but were hesitant to speak publicly for fear of backlash from union leaders.
“Many of them would have spoken to me — even principals,” he said. “They said, ‘Hey look, we really not part of this foolishness, you know, but if we go out there and go against them, they’re going to call us snitches. They’re going to attack us.’”
The Prime Minister clarified that the concerns do not apply to the majority of educators but maintained that action is needed to ensure professionalism is upheld across the education system.
“This only applies to a very small percentage of teachers, so again, not painting the profession with a broad brush,” Browne noted. “But you have some not-too-kosher elements in there who we’re going to have to address.”
While dismissing the idea of widespread dismissals, Browne floated the possibility of reassignments for those found to be negatively impacting students.
“I don’t believe in firing people. Maybe move them out, put them somewhere else — otherwise than that, they’re probably going to create some significant problems for our children in the future.”
He concluded by emphasizing the need for internal oversight and collaboration between the Director of Education and school principals to preserve the classroom as a neutral, professional space.
“It’s a matter that the Director of Education and the principals may have to collaborate on to ensure that our teachers remain fully professional.”
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
Politics sweet in Antigua, boy. Is drama every minute!
If so be true, poor Pringle ah get sell out from inside!
Why PM always know more about UPP than UPP members?
Mi na surprise. Some people just cyaah done with power.
This is sounding more and more like a totalitarian regime! Antiguans and Barbudans wake up!!! Most times when people speak like that nutting tarl go so! He is mentioning principals and teachers to give himself legitimacy. Bet you no principal or teacher has said not one blue word to him. He is afraid because he sees that the young people are not like the old heads…they are not blindly following colour poliTricks. They are aware of issues and can think for themselves. They are no longer beholden to a few politicians who claim to be feeding them.
But didn’t Lovell retire from active politics? What he coming back for now?
Dat sound like mind games fi stir up confusion in UPP camp.
Let’s hear from the UPP directly before jumping to conclusions.
Train up a child in the way he should grow that when he is old he will not depart from it. Choose the right, choose intrigrity, choose honesty. Not Barabbas.
Well if politics reach inna classroom, we really gone too far now!
Teachers are there to educate, not push political agendas. Let the kids learn in peace.
A wah kinda ting dis? Dem pickney nuh supposed to mix up in party business!
Is this just another way to control teachers? I’m skeptical.
Mi always say, keep party politics outta di school yard. Full stop.
Is there actual evidence or just another political smoke bomb?
If true, den dat serious. But if a just talk, den it dangerous too.
If a principal is aware of such behavior and take no action but call the PM then that principal needs to be replaced..
This dude Gaston Browne is just the worst, if he goes home tonight and find himself hard bound and he can’t poo poo , he would claim political interference he would blame a UPP supporter for stealing his Milk of Magnesia
This guy is doing his best to divert attention from all his failures. The head of the ABTU is from a strong ALP household and he (Alfa Nero)knows that very well but shame and disappointment are killing him so he lies, as usual and blames everyone but himself.
It is ok for.you to do however anyone e else is wrong.
Never begin so.ething that you are not sure of it outcome.
Wasn’t it you who went into schools and gave cash to innocent student?
So what is wrong if someone begins to indoctrinate them.from early?
Labour operates with money.
Others operate with education..