Expressing frustration with the leadership of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) and suggesting that some leaders might have become overwhelmed or fatigued during this year’s strike and prolonged negotiations and therefore failed to effectively communicate critical information back to the membership, a Region Two teacher has said that he is dissatisfied with the agreement signed between the GTU and the Ministry of Education.
Sharing his thoughts in a Facebook Live post, Martin Samaroo said: “This entire saga will go down in history as one of the greatest movements – industrial action – this country has ever seen, but also one of the greatest disappointments that we would have experienced.”
Samaroo said he was sceptical about promotion opportunities for outspoken educators, suggesting that the current environment stifles those who are critical of the system. “When you question the system, you are treated as an outsider,” he remarked, criticising the lack of openness to constructive feedback. “I am seriously considering not being a public servant but rather being a proprietor.”
The stark realities of life as a public servant were further compounded by allegations of a culture of fear among those challenging the status quo. “To question the system is to invite scrutiny and ridicule, which is unacceptable,” he said. “That type of environment is cultish.”
During the live video, he voiced concerns that teachers often prioritise their dedication to their profession over their own well-being. “There are many [teachers] who have given their lives to this profession. I know of people who died because of this job,” Samaroo lamented. “The system takes from you more than it can ever give.”
The impact of poor working conditions and financial strain on teachers has been profound, with some forced to take on additional work to survive. Reports indicate that many educators in the interior regions of Guyana are balancing teaching responsibilities with running small businesses or selling snacks in their communities, just to make ends meet.
“When you’re looking at what teachers get, and their survival, it’s disheartening,” he stated. “In some areas, teachers are working under severely inadequate conditions, and even their best efforts are not enough.”
The situation has cultivated a perilous sense of fatigue among teachers, many of whom report feeling disengaged and unsupported. “If it takes too much such that your family begins to suffer, then that is not something you should be engaged in. God would not expect you to have your family suffering at the expense of a job that you are not appreciated in,” Samaroo added, reflecting the dilemma many educators face between professional obligations and family responsibilities.
The escalating discontent has contributed to a growing sense of urgency for change within the educational system. Samaroo also highlighted the troubling observation that a significant proportion of teachers remain untrained, with approximately 70% lacking formal qualifications.
However, Samaroo voiced hope, pointing out that a younger, more educated generation is emerging, one that is less likely to accept the circumstances and more willing to demand change. “They love to dissect and approach issues critically. Social media has made it easier for the truth to be shared,” he said.
He pointed out that after all the fact-checking and research conducted, the reality of teachers’ financial struggles may not be fully understood within the broader public discourse. “We spent time doing it, and we were made to show that a lot of teachers, you don’t know how they’re doing it and how much of a deficit there is left at the end of the month,” he stated.
Despite some improvements in benefits, such as the addition of a coding allowance, many educators find it difficult to reconcile these gains with the reality of their everyday lives. Samaroo recounted a recent purchase of shoes that cost $16,500, a stark contrast to the $30,000 he would have spent locally. Such financial constraints, compounded by insufficient salaries, lead to a relentless cycle of stress for teachers.
Amid the ongoing issues, he urged for accountability among union leaders, suggesting that they need to prioritise the collective good of the teachers above all else. “If you notice that you being present at any negotiation stirs up a little more heat and anger from the other side, it would have been best for you to recuse yourself and let it continue,” Samaroo commented, advocating for a unified approach to strengthen the teachers’ bargaining power.
Samaroo also highlighted that the political involvement has further complicated teacher negotiations. “You can’t have political influence in a non-political group,” he stressed, asserting that personal political alliances can create divisions among teachers and weaken their collective bargaining efforts.
Moreover, there remains scepticism regarding the integrity and transparency of the union itself. Comments made by high-ranking officials about the union’s status have led to speculation and distrust among educators, fueling the call for more scrutiny and better communication. “You have to stop playing political chess with these people,” Samaroo cautioned, urging his peers to focus on the essential needs of teachers rather than getting mired in political conflicts.
The struggle for fair wages and improved conditions has revealed deep-rooted issues within the education system that extend beyond mere financial reimbursements; it underscores a need for a new vision for the future of teaching in Guyana, one that prioritises the health, dignity, and expertise of its educators.
As the current crop of teachers wrestles with the weight of these challenges, the sentiment among many pro-education advocates is clear: the need for a new generation of educators who can prioritise collective benefits over personal preferences is essential for meaningful change. Samaroo articulated this hope in a passionate plea for unity: “We need a new crop of teachers who can put aside their personal preferences for the greater good. I have hope for the future because the generation coming up is very different.”
Samaroo contrasted this emerging generation with the previous one, noting that many educators before had vested interests that often clouded their judgement. “The previous generation would have held on to their preferences, come what may, because a lot of people are receiving benefits and everything else,” he explained. “This isn’t about personal gains. This is about the collective benefits of teachers.”
Despite the challenges, Samaroo acknowledged some positive changes, such as the introduction of more scholarships and financial support to parents for their children’s school uniforms. He remarked, “… Must be commended for that, giving parents $45,000 every year to help ease their pockets. I won’t be so bitter to say that it doesn’t help teachers. These are good policies.” However, he was quick to point out the contradiction in offering these benefits while providing meagre salary increases for teachers. “You’re telling teachers they can’t afford to give more than 10% in this economy,” he said, his voice tinged with frustration. “It makes you wonder whether or not you are a slave to the system.”
This sentiment was echoed by educators across the board, who struggle to balance their commitments in an increasingly demanding environment. During a recent gathering, teacher Mark Renfield expressed his views, saying, “We’re not against any positive policy, but when we’re barely making ends meet, how is it fair to offer scholarships while our salaries remain stagnant?”
The Ministry of Education and the GTU signed a Memorandum of Agreement on August 21, 2024, which includes a 10% salary increase for teachers for this year; a figure many have deemed insufficient to keep pace with the rising cost of living in Guyana. Along with an 8% increase in 2025, and a 9% increase in 2026 to be adjusted accordingly should public servants receive a higher percentage increase, it outlines a series of agreements on housing, health and other areas for 2024 to 2026. Some of the other provisions are free annual health screenings, salary upgrades to the midpoint of their salary scale after three years of continuous service, increased non-taxable allowances based on educational qualifications, ranging from $5,000 for a Certificate in Education Management to $32,000 for a doctoral degree, an annual clothing allowance of $15,000, 150 duty-free concessions annually for vehicles, 100 scholarships annually, and increased station and hardship allowances.
