Garcia: Contingency in place if SEA teachers don’t accept offer

Education Minister Anthony Garcia says there is a contingency plan if teachers refuse the ministry’s proposal to teachers to give up part of their vacation to help SEA students prepare for the August 20 exam.

Garcia had announced that a stipend will be paid to teachers and principals who take up the offer from July 20.

But the TT Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) has, so far, rejected the offer. The association had proposed that the exam be held in October.

Its president, Antonia De Freitas has warned that any attempt by the ministry to bring in “scab labour” to fill temporary teaching positions will be viewed as an “industrial crisis” and would be treated with accordingly.

On Wednesday, Garcia said he was not at liberty to reveal what the ministry’s “plan B” is to help the 19, 344 students whose classes were disrupted since March because of the covid19 pandemic.

The ministry has reached out to the Primary School Principals’ Association and its president Lance Mottley and the issue is expected to be discussed on Friday at 10 am.

The National Parent Teacher Association is in support of the ministry’s proposal.

Garcia said, “The important thing, as far as we are concerned, is the interest of the children and we will do everything to ensure their interest is served.

“The situation is very clear. The exams will be held on Thursday August 20, 2020.”