Dear Editor,
The 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 ‘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 were 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 miniaturized 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?
Sincerely,
E.B. John
