Union ready to act as ‘too many long-standing issues unresolved’

President of the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT), Rudy Lovell, has again raised alarm over what he described as the Ministry of Education’s failure to adequately address several critical issues plaguing the teaching profession in Barbados.

Speaking yesterday during the union’s 51st Annual General Conference at the Radisson Aquatica Resort, Acquatic Gap, Bay Street, St Michael, he accused officials of sidelining teachers’ concerns even as they pursue ambitious plans for education reform.

Lovell warned that teachers were becoming increasingly burned out, demotivated and overworked, citing long hours, heavy workloads and a lack of adequate support systems. He said that unless the ministry makes teachers’ health and well-being a central focus of its education transformation agenda, efforts to improve the system will falter.

Vacation leave

“Many of our members feel abandoned, ignored and overwhelmed,” he said.

Chief among the union’s frustrations was the ministry’s handling of the long-standing termed vacation leave issue. Lovell reminded delegates that the BUT passed a resolution on March 6 demanding the return of the leave entitlement to its pre-2014 status. He added that although they subsequently met with ministry officials who committed to engaging the Ministry of the Public Service on the matter, there has been no progress or feedback.

“We have acted in good faith, but having waited long enough, we are prepared to move forward with our original plan of action,” he said.

Lovell listed a host of other unresolved matters brought to the ministry’s attention, including the proposed changes to the 2025-2026 school year, outstanding appointments and contracts for temporary teachers, the late payment of increments and allowances, growing violence in schools, seniority in the teaching service, and concerns over the grooming policy for students.

Lovell questioned how meaningful educational transformation could take place when so many basic operational issues continued to hinder teachers’ ability to perform.

‘Fundamental needs’

“Many of these issues have persisted for years, raising concerns about whether true educational transformation can occur if the fundamental needs of teachers are not addressed,” he said. He did, however, commend the ministry for deploying security guards at all Government-run nursery, primary and special needs schools, an initiative the BUT had long called for amid rising incidents of violence and indiscipline. In terms of conditions in the classrooms, he said

teachers were increasingly being verbally and physically attacked by students, and sometimes even faced intimidation from school administrators reluctant to act on disciplinary breaches. He also decried the growing presence of drugs, gambling and gang activity on school premises.

“This is not just a school issue, it is a national crisis that demands immediate action,” Lovell said.

He also revisited the contentious debate over the 11-Plus examination, calling for decisive action on its promised abolition. While recognising differing views on the issue, he urged policymakers to move beyond rhetoric and ensure any replacement assessment is inclusive, fair and reflects the diverse talents of students.

Turning to the broader education reform process, Lovell expressed concern that projects like the proposed Schools of Excellence had been abandoned despite significant investments. He also cautioned against an unbalanced education system that funnels resources into select schools while leaving others underfunded.

Equity

“For education reform to be successful, it must guarantee equity across institutions, including balanced student distribution,” he said.

Lovell also criticised ongoing technical issues with the ministry’s Open EMIS school information platform, which he said continues to frustrate teachers during critical reporting periods.

“Despite recent upgrades, many teachers face difficulties in inputting marks and comments, adding stress during an already challenging time,” he said.

Lovell reiterated the BUT’s call for the establishment of the long-promised Teaching Service Commission to oversee recruitment and management of teachers, noting that the ministry has failed to meet its own deadlines for its roll-out.

Additionally, he called for clear guidelines and timely resolution in cases where teachers have been suspended pending investigations, contending that prolonged suspensions without closure could destroy careers and reputations. He proposed that such cases be concluded within six to 12 months.

While outlining the BUT’s continued commitment to professional development – including initiatives on Artificial Intelligence in education – Lovell warned that the success of digital learning will depend heavily on investments in modern technology, infrastructure and reliable Internet access across all schools. (CLM)

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