21st Century Slavery and Exploitation

Feb 20, 2011 Letters

Dear Editor,
I take this opportunity to make an analogy to describe a situation that is frustrating and demoralizing a certain section of the teaching profession. Here we go:
The President of Guyana has to leave his post for an extended period and so because the country cannot be left without a head, he turns to the most senior member of his cabinet who is the Minister of Education, Mr. Shaik Baksh.
The President says to Mr. Baksh, “Shaik, 1 am going to appoint you to act in the capacity of President (you know the country cannot be without a leader). In my absence I expect that Robert will show progress in Agriculture, Nadir will work with the unions, Benn will build the East Bank road.
“In fact, Shaik, all of the ministers and ministries must function at full capacity under your leadership. All records must be in place and everyone under your authority must comply with the Standard Operational Procedures and in accordance with policy. Shaik, being President carries responsibilities in addition to supervision of the ministries these you must perform. You must multitask.
“Now, let us talk about remuneration and conditions of work. Shaik, even though I expect you to perform all of the above duties and I know that you will, I am afraid that I can only offer you a small increment of $4.872.00 per month. Yes, I know that you expect the full difference in our salaries, but you see, I do not think that you are ready for this position. That is right, you are qualified, but you see I changed the conditions a couple of years ago, and by the way, this year I made them even tougher. In order to receive the full difference you have to be in the substantive position for three years before I even consider you as being capable. I am sorry, two increments it will have to be.
“Shaik, now that you know the conditions of pay and work, I still do not expect any less than your best. I hold you responsible for everything which happens in this country. Think not of the pay and the conditions of work. Just do the work.”
This analogy showcases the fate of quite a few Deputy Head teachers of Grades A and 13 secondary schools across this country, who serve in both Board and non-Board schools.
Mr. Baksh and members of the Teaching Service Commission, this is slavery, and exploitation. You cannot appoint someone to act in a certain position, expect them to perform the duties of that position, then tell them that they are not eligible for the position even though they are qualified and offer them a ‘small piece’ for their services.
Slavery was abolished in 1838. This is slavery and exploitation 21″ century style. Pay these people the full difference. You expect them to do the work then pay them for it. Stop legitimizing this exploitation under the guise of eligibility.
Teacher

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21st Century Slavery and Exploitation

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