Minister of Education Ronald Jones has described the actions of the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union as a gross insult and the height of offensiveness.
An incensed Jones said the BSTU did not send a representative to the high level meeting at the Ministry of Education this morning, but instead, sent someone to record the deliberations.
Phil Perry, a past president of the BSTU, attended the meeting, which involves all the parties involved in the dispute, including principal of the Alexandra School Jeff Broomes, the executive of the Barbados Association of Principals of Public Secondary Schools (BAPPSS), as well as the National Union of Public Workers.
Perry was subsequently asked to leave the meeting.
Also in attendance are Cabinet ministers, including Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite, Minister of Labour Esther Byer-Suckoo and Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister Harry Husbands.
A short while ago, Jones told the Press that this behaviour of the BSTU cannot be condoned.
He said it was important for all parties to come together to find a solution to this issue.
While Jones said he could not say how the roads will “twist and turn” in this issue, he said they are seeking a resolution.
He said it was unfortunate that one party constantly wanted to lay down conditions. “If you don’t do A, B will happen, and if you don’t do B, C will happen,” said Jones.
“We want resolution.” he said.
(Developing story)
