GUYANA | Senior Counsel Forde Calls for Action Amidst Gov't Inaction on Teachers' Rights"

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, May 12, 2024 - In a powerful condemnation of the ruling administration, Senior Counsel and Opposition Member of Parliament Roysdale Forde has accused the PPP/C government of gross injustice for not negotiating with teachers despite a favorable high court ruling on collective bargaining.

This ruling was intended to mark the beginning of a new era of respect and cooperation between the government and the nation’s educators. The High Court recently upheld the right of teachers to engage in collective bargaining, a decision that was seen as a beacon of hope for educators across Guyana.

Despite this ruling, Forde states that the government has remained "deaf" to the teachers' calls for fair wages and improved working conditions, exacerbating the educators' plight.

Forde emphasized the critical role of education in national development and democracy. He criticized the government's disregard for the educational sector as reflective of its broader priorities and indicative of a potential hidden agenda against collective bargaining.

Forde urged the government to respect the court's decision and engage in meaningful dialogue with the teachers' union to resolve these issues. He also encouraged teachers to persist in their industrial actions to demand their rights.

Forde’s remarks highlight a troubling standoff between the government and its educators, raising concerns about the future of education and governance in Guyana.

The senior counsel warned of the severe implications of continued government inaction, both for democracy and for the educators who play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future.

"This is not just about salaries; it's about the government recognizing and respecting the fundamental rights of our educators," Forde declared. "The PPP/C’s failure to act not only undermines our democracy but also signals a distressing disregard for the educators who contribute tirelessly to our nation’s development."

Forde’s statements have ignited a robust public discourse on the treatment of teachers in Guyana, with many calling for immediate government action to rectify this profound injustice.

As the situation unfolds, the nation watches closely, hoping for a resolution that honors the rights and contributions of its educators.

The unresolved tension between the government and teachers is palpable, with the latter resuming strike actions to protest their conditions. "Sadly, teachers are left to fend for themselves in a political environment where the government appears to care less about their plight and more about demonstrating power, domination, and control," Forde explained.

Despite the influx of substantial oil revenues, which has significantly bolstered the national treasury, the government has yet to adjust teacher salaries accordingly. Forde criticized this discrepancy as a glaring oversight in government priorities, especially given the crucial role teachers play in the nation's growth.

The ongoing strikes and the government’s reluctance to engage in collective bargaining are creating a schism within the community, affecting not just the teachers but the quality of education available to future generations.

“ The PPP/C’s failure to act not only undermines our democracy but also signals a distressing disregard for the educators who contribute tirelessly to our nation’s development. ”

Forde called upon all teachers involved in the strike to continue their fight for fair compensation and collective bargaining rights.

He stressed the importance of their role in national development and urged them not to succumb to the pressures of what he described as an authoritarian regime.

In his impassioned plea, Forde also reached out to the citizens of Guyana, encouraging them to recognize the gravity of the situation and to hold their government accountable.

"The source of power exercised by the government is located among the people. Guyanese must use this power to force the PPP/C to create a society characterized by fairness and justice," he asserted.

As the debate intensifies, the entire nation seems to be at a crossroads, with the future of its education system — and its democracy — hanging in the balance.

The coming days are crucial in determining whether the government will heed the call for justice or continue on its current trajectory, which many fear may lead to greater national discontent.

Editorially, the conflict between the Government of Guyana and its educators represents a significant crisis point that could have lasting implications for the nation's social fabric and democratic foundations. 

Roysdale Forde's fervent remarks underscore a deep-seated concern about the erosion of fundamental rights and the overall disregard for the educational sector by the current administration. 

This situation calls not only for immediate governmental action but also for a broader societal response to demand and enforce the respect and dignity that educators, as architects of the future, rightfully deserve.

The growing unrest among teachers, amplified by their readiness to strike, speaks volumes about their desperation and the dire need for an equitable resolution. 

As Guyana stands at this pivotal moment, the resolve of its teachers and the response of its citizens will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of its governance and the integrity of its educational system. 

Ultimately, the strength and stability of a democracy are tested not just by the protection it offers to its most privileged, but by the support and respect it extends to every citizen, including those who educate the next generation.

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