Caribbean teachers rally behind embattled GTU

Sep 07, 2026 News

…condemns Govt. over dues suspension, judicial non-compliance

(Kaieteur News) – The Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT) has launched a joint regional and international campaign in support of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), publicly condemning the Government of Guyana for its “ongoing, unjustified action” in unilaterally halting union dues deductions and disregarding judicial orders.

In an official statement issued by CUT President Sharon Kelsick, the regional body announced that it is taking immediate action to confront the government’s decision to suspend the check-off dues system. The dispute centers on the executive branch’s refusal to remit union dues, alongside its failure to adhere to decisions from both the high court and the Court of Appeal of Guyana ordering the process to be reinstated.

The CUT warned that the government’s refusal to collect and remit union dues threatens the stability of union representation in Guyana. Describing the standard check-off system as a “standard, legally recognised, and long-established mechanism that facilitates workers’ fundamental right to freedom of association,” the union declared that the unilateral suspension is an “overt attempt to undermine the financial stability, independence, and operational capacity of the GTU.” The statement further noted that such measures constitute a “direct violation of international labour standards, fundamental human rights, and the principles of fair industrial relations.”

Beyond the immediate financial impact on educators, the union expressed deep concern over the broader legal precedent set by the administration’s inaction following judicial oversight. “The continued failure of the executive to respect and execute these judicial decisions threatens the rule of law, undermines democratic institutions, and sets a dangerous precedent for industrial relations across the entire Caribbean region,” the CUT stated.

Founded in 1935 under the motto “Each for All – All for Each,” the CUT represents educators across the region under an executive body including President Sharon Kelsick of Antigua, First Vice President Fiona Charles-Williams of St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Second Vice President Elena Smith of Belize, Third Vice President Julian Pierre of Barbados, General Secretary/Treasurer Vern Charles of St. Lucia, Deputy General Secretary Shana Eudovique of St. Lucia, and Trustees Rudy Lovell of Barbados and Mark Smith of Jamaica. As an autonomous regional body affiliated with Education International, led globally by President Mugwena Maluleke and General Secretary David Edwards, the CUT is leveraging its international network to apply external pressure.

In its regional mandate, the CUT urged all member organisations, trade union affiliates, and civil society partners to “rally in support of the GTU and Guyanese educators.” The organisation specified two primary avenues for action: to “highlight this violation of workers’ rights and judicial non-compliance across local, regional, and international media platforms,” and to “demonstrate active solidarity” by issuing formal statements demanding full compliance with court directives.

Concluding its declaration, the CUT called directly on the executive branch in Georgetown to reverse course and uphold constitutional norms. “We urgently call on the Government of Guyana to act responsibly, honor the rule of law, respect the decisions of its own judiciary, and immediately reinstate the check-off dues process,” the statement read, adding that “respect for workers’ rights and the judiciary is non-negotiable in any democratic society.”

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Caribbean teachers, Caribbean Union of Teachers, dues deductions, GTU

Latest News