BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A proposal made by the Minister of Education the Hon. Nigel Carty to the teachers of the Basseterre High School does not sit well with them and they are describing it as ludicrous and an inappropriate response to the problem which exists at the school.
Reports reaching SKNVibes indicate that a meeting was held amongst staff members and Minister Carty on Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 28) where it was said by the Minister that ailing teachers would be transferred.
“At first they said if we wish to be transferred, we should tell them what school we want to go to. Later in the meeting, Minister Carty got up and said those who are sick will be transferred to a school of your choice. He said all those who are home on sick leave, who say they are sick because of the school will be transferred,” one teacher explained.
Another explained that according to Carty’s suggestion, which she said is “a directive”, the remaining teachers who teach for 28 sessions or more per week would be compensated.
“That was not a proposal. It was a directive. I do not agree with it because it is nonsense. Some people will be transferred he said and those who remain would have to double up on their sessions and they would be paid extra. This does not deal with the predominant problem. There is something wrong with the school…”
SKNVibes understands that the Minister indicated that ailing students can also be transferred upon their parents’ request.
Another teacher told this publication that during the meeting, questions about health and the school environment were posed to the Minister who indicated that he was not prepared to address those issued at that point.
The teachers have expressed their view that transferring students and teachers is like using a Band-Aid to cure a terminal illness as it does not address the underlying problem with the school’s environment.
Meanwhile, teachers of the learning institution, this publication understands, have continued their protest for a safer work and learning environment and have taken industrial action.
Several attempts were made by this media house to contact Minister Carty but none was successful.
