Loud tassa sounds complemented by African drumming were heard yesterday coming from teachers on the top of the Anna Regina Habour bridge as they joined the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) for the 10th day of strike action to bolster their demand for collective bargaining.
The teachers are hoping that this matter could be resolved sooner than later as they are anxious to return to their respective classrooms
Hundreds of teachers gathered at the Anna Regina high bridge as the strike intensified in Region Two. More teachers joined in the strike action which was observed by members of the Guyana Police Force. The day began with prayers after which several gospel songs were sung and the teachers then proceeded to the Anna Regina high bridge. On the bridge they hoisted placards, most of which called for higher salaries that matched the high cost of living.
Present for all 10 days of the Region Two strike were the headmasters of Tapakuma, Capoey, and Mainstay lakes primary schools who declared that they will not give up in the struggle. Headmaster Fenton Williams said that teachers continue to set the foundation for children in the country and Senior Master of Tapakuma Primary School, Haslyn Williams, said that teachers are standing up for better salaries which he opined is only fair. He also related that many times, teachers would have to go into their pockets to support the children.
“We are out here for our rights, nothing else. We are asking [them] to pay us for what we are working for nothing more, we are willing to work but pay us”, Williams said.
Headmistress of Capoey Primary Esther Rodrigues said it was her 10th day supporting the GTU industrial strike, adding that the teachers of Capoey Primary are in need of better salaries also.
The teachers are saying that they have been “fooled” and “lied” to repeatedly and it’s not fair. Many of them said they did not show up in school for 10 days and many concerned parents have reached out to them. They asserted that they will not be intimidated by any politician. They are contending that they are standing up for a worthy cause and that is to represent all of Guyana’s teachers, and as such will continue to strike until their voices are heard.
