No grant for teachers

Oct 28, 2021 Letters

Dear Editor,

A teacher, who in fact is a Headmistress, was much in stress. She called and asked to be comforted about why, in the absence of any increase these last two years, teachers do not qualify at least for a ‘cash grant’ like farmers, and pensioners, amongst whom, are also retired teachers.
How come, she enquired, are teachers not considered as productive as farmers, and indeed as even the political decision-makers whom they must teach. And yet the latter seem so unresponsive, indeed unmindful of the fact that their growth was due to the foundation teachers laid; forgetful that teachers are now teaching their children about whose achievement all can proudly boast.
The Headmistress pleaded ‘why don’t somebody ask us how we feel, how we get to work, how we survive on such poor salaries; while boasting of the achievements of our products’ success at examinations. Surely such results should earn us some recognition – a grant – in the absence of increments, which the miniaturised salary scales are supposed to provide as reward for performance. How come the achievement of our students, rated as they are above those in the rest of Caribbean region, is not attributed to their teachers, who are summarily ignored?
How come the bright future being projected for our citizens can be achieved without the very fundamental contribution of teachers, who must adapt to a changing educational environment? Is farming then the option? Aren’t we all indebted to our teachers?

E.B. John

Maybe we need an ethnic equation for the appointment of GECOM Commissioners
Dear Editor,
As a nation, we hardly ever reach a consensus on any matter with the exception that a majority of us agree that our elections are ethnically driven. Given our overriding preoccupation with ethnicity, why not use it to our advantage and appointment our GECOM Commissioners on the basis of ethnicity.
Why not have five Commissioners representing each of our ethnic makeup comprising of an African, Indian, Chinese, Indigenous and Portuguese Guyanese. The appointment of these ethnic commissioners should be based on the following criteria:
1. Should have no known political affiliation or membership to a political party.
2. Should be of good character with a stellar public profile and a respected member of their community.
3. Each appointed Commissioner must be approved by a two- thirds majority of Parliament.
4. A select committee comprising of one representative each of the political parties in parliament to manage the application and selection process.
5. From among the five Commissioners, they will choose the Chairperson.
6. Their period of appointment should be for 10 years with the option of being selected for one more five-year term.
This methodology of equal ethnic representation might very well remove the stigma of biases in the running of our elections.
Yours sincerely,
Reggie Bhagwandin