READERS would have welcomed the news that teachers at Parkinson and Alma Parris Memorial Schools were returning to the classroom this morning.
This comes after four days of meetings with the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT), vows that they would not back down until the issues at both schools were solved, admonition from the Ministry of Education and a drawer full of weapons in Parkinson principal’s Jeff Broomes’ office.
Readers had little sympathy for the teachers, giving them a bit of a flogging online.
Here are some of the views:
Tammy Vanita Harte: I thought all along it was Jeff Broomes. All schools have weapons, so that means all teachers should stay home. Got teachers out there that want work. Fire all, hire new ones, ’cause as far as I can see, it’s instant dismissal, them walk off the job.
Sparkles Went: What really got me is them talking about them fear for their lives but going to school half-day. The violence only happening in the morning? And the reason for going in the afternoon is so not to lose pay so all wanna interested is getting pay and not teaching the children. Jeff, lock the gate and let them stand outside.
Annetta Paul: BUT don’t give one hoot about the children. Them get their money from the teachers. Too bad all the parents can’t transfer all their children to different schools. When these teachers looking to come back to work, let them teach the table and chairs. Teachers walked out on children, it’s about time the children do the same.
Piper Timaya Jordan: Amazing, and these teachers want to be appointed? For what, to not teach? I’m ashamed to see this issue escalate. This isn’t helping the children, the ones who have CXC are missing out on vital days of education. I just wonder how can these children regain the days’ education that were lost this week? Mr Broomes going home won’t solve this issue. Years to come, I can see this happening again.
Gibson Jethro: Imagine in 2015 petty issues preventing our kids from having an education. Why is the union not asking for use of metal detectors at the schools?
Valerie Hoyte: I am trying to get a clear guide as to why they are on strike because it seems like they are clutching at straws. Truth be told, if they stay on strike I would hire replacements. At this moment Barbados is in an economic slouch and many need work. Hire some unemployed teachers and those who are afraid of weapons in a locked drawer or some other illogical excuse can stay on a permanent strike.
Sheldon Cox: So de school dangerous for teachers in de morning but them can go in de afternoon so them can get pay. Let people know the truth.
Susie Caponie: We need to learn conflict resolution such as we preach/teach to the children.
