Dear Editor,
I wish to raise awareness of an age old occurrence in Region Two, something I have reasons to believe, manifests elsewhere. Trainee teachers who complete CPCE are expected to return to their Regions to serve, a fair requirement as I endorse, not only decentralization, but equity in distribution of skill sets.
However, in Region Two, there have been numerous cases over the years of teachers being placed within the Region, but far away from where they live, though vacancies exist for their areas of specialization at schools within their catchment. In some cases, teachers from the Esse-quibo Coast take up residence in the Pomeroon River, though teachers from communities in the river e.g. Wakapoa, are found teaching at various schools along the coast. Where does the policy of serving one’s home community apply here? This practice does not only create discomfort to teachers who are still to be fairly remunerated, but create severe constraints on their budget with unnecessary traveling/relocating expenses, five days per week during the school term. I must admit that the officers within the Region try their best, but Central Ministry seems to have very little clue with regard to the adversities faced by these ‘displaced’ teachers and refuse to address any appeal of allotment.
I have direct knowledge of extreme consequences, ranging from broken young marriages due to couples living apart, to transfer of teachers’ children in NGSA Class, directly resulting in lowered performances. There are cases where I’ve known of teachers pulling a second job to offset rent which is higher in areas closer to Anna Regina, or to assist with traveling expenses. This may come across as a normal complaint to be brushed off, but Editor, these very inefficiencies lead to the system not only losing teachers but having reduced outputs from demotivated teachers. Whether this is another complaint rife for ignoring or potent to warrant an investigation, it is worthwhile highlighting. People are quietly hurting and families are gradually being chipped. To the relevant authorities, don’t be aloof. We saw the price being paid by one of our most aloof leaders, just under 2 years ago. Pay attention please.
Sincerely,
Darren Kissoon