EDITORIAL: Clashes continue

Seven years ago, almost to the day, officials from the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU) and the Ministry of Education met in hopes of reaching consensus on the terms of engagement relating to the resolution of an industrial dispute at the Alexandra School. Back then, the dispute revolved around the non-attendance of that school’s principal, Jeff Broomes, at meetings called by the Ministry of Education to resolve matters stemming from an initial upset over his issuance of “offending” letters to teachers who took part in a BSTU Teachers’ Professional Day activity years prior, in 2006.

Today, both parties are set to meet again, this time with regard to a situation at the Combermere School, which has seen that institution closed since November and most students missing classes for several weeks. 

Lest one conclude that these two conflicts are unfortunate coincides, history would show otherwise. In the past there have been disagreements over issues regarding the transfer of teachers, payment for correction of School Based Assessments, as well as frequent concerns over environmental conditions. In each instance, both union and government have been vocal about their opinions and stances taken. However, one group – as always – remains silent and voiceless – the students. 

Though every side claims to have the children’s interests at heart, even the committee recently formed out of the Combermere Parents Teachers Association, the students are the ones who have not had a chance to speak out. Not just on their opinion of the stalemate, but on their experiences at the institution. If there are odours emanating from the property that have made some students sick, a thorough investigation and survey of all students – not just those who report illness – should be obtained. Similarities and differences in these students’ routines, locations, classes etc can be analysed. Any objective investigator would support having a total picture before drawing conclusions and information “straight from the horses mouth” would be best. Likewise it would be interesting to know if all teachers have shared similar experiences with bad odours.

Ironically, it is the students who stand to feel the greastet impact from this entire ordeal. They have already suffered through days of no tuition and, failing a favourable outcome from today’s meeting, could potentially face more downtime in the future. This could be devastating to a child’s ability to perform adequately in examinations, which are but a few months away.

It is obvious then that, up to this point, the best interest of the students is not a priority, despite claims otherwise. One indication is that, as was stated in a BSTU release yesterday, grievances were not addressed during the vacation but were instead left until “the last minute”. This has long been the practice by both sides, which proves that having students back in class is not the focus.

Nevertheless, it is our hope that today’s meeting goes some way into resolving the standoff and that classes can resume for Combermere students next week, along with other public schools. 

We hope the greater good triumphs.