BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, November 21st, 2012 (CUOPM) – Minister of Education, Sen. The Hon. Nigel Carty said Wednesday that the St. Kitts Teachers Union (SKTU) has at no time whatsoever, ever requested of his ministry a meeting, a hearing, a forum of any kind to discuss the issues and a way forward pertaining to the situation at the labarotory at the Basseterre High School.
Teachers at the BHS took action on Monday November 19 due to the failure of the consultants to have arrived by the last weekend to investigate concerns.
“This is wholly unfortunate since there was ongoing update of the Principal of the school who happens to be the General Secretary of the Union. As highlighted above, much in relation to addressing the concerns at the BHS depends on the outcome of the CARIRI report since previous reports have not moved us forward.
It is hoped that the reports which may emerge would allay many of the concerns and engender confidence among stakeholders on whom we depend to help in the implementation of recommendations,” Minister Carty told a sitting of the St. Kitts and Nevis National Assembly.
He pointed out that the SKTU has permanent representation on his ministry’s monthly planning committee and the General Secretary attends those meetings.
“The president and other executive members were present at the BHS meeting of November 8. They spoke and gave suggestions in their capacities as staff members, which were taken on board. The action the union has taken made known officially to the Ministry a day later. My response to the union’s letter requesting a meeting after the fact is in the mail,” said Minister Carty.
He also took note of a press release dated November 19 by the oppsootion People’s Action Movement (PAM), entitled “PAM LEADER OUTRAGED AT CONDITIONS AT HIGH SCHOOL. EXPRESSES SUPPORT OF TEACHERS STRIKE ACTION” with the following subtitle “Teachers to participate in historic March.”
“(This) only raises suspicions as to the motivation for the precipitous action taken at this time by the SKTU with the so-called historic march planned for this coming Thursday,” said the education minister.
He said the Ministry is concerned for the health of all and for the education of the students at the school.
“These continue to be the driving forces for our efforts despite the many setbacks. Four labs at the school have now been put out of commission. The science programme has been seriously compromised. We are very sensitive to health and concerns of all, and to the hopes and dreams of our students – our boys and girls. We owe it to ourselves as a Ministry, as a government, as a school in the BHS and stakeholders to work together to resolve these difficult issues.
Confidence, or the lack of it, it would appear, and genuine concern, have been at the centre of the intransigence. We must seek wholesome understanding among all to move the recuperatory process forward,” said Minister Carty.
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