Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves while speaking on radio recently—in response to teachers at the West St. George Secondary school refusing to teach students in protest of the Government’s mandatory vaccination policy—called on teachers to not punish the students.
“I’m asking my brothers and sisters who are teaching at West St. George, please, don’t punish the students by going to school and not teaching the students; and you’re doing so on a basis which is not rational. We have an obligation for the safety of the children and that is an obligation that is high on the totem pole”. He said.
The Prime Minister said another top priority along with the health of the students is their education, going on to disclose the measures that will be taken to mitigate any negative effects this action will have on students’ education.
“Also, an obligation that is very high on the totem pole is the education of the children. So you want to go to school and stay in the staff room? I will instruct the Ministry of Education to hire another teachers to go an teach. Indeed I’ve given them instructions, if need be, not only there but anywhere else, to hire retired teachers on short term contracts.” Gonsalves said.
Prime Minister Gonsalves said that he will make a cabinet decision regarding the hiring of retired teachers, to ensure that they continue to receive their pensions while receiving payment under their new short term contracts.
