Ministry, SLTU Address Critical Issues Facing Education

Education Minister Shawn Edward led a team from his Ministry in discussions with the new executive of the Saint Lucia Teachers Union (SLTU), regarding critical issues facing the education system. According to a release from the Ministry’s Communications Unit, both parties hailed the meeting ahead of the start of the new academic year as a success. “We have brought to the fore many of the teachers’ issues, many of the challenges that they face and we are working with the Ministry of Education to ensure that before the reopening of school that our teachers are working in safe and healthy environments,” SLTU President Vern Charles stated. For his part, the Education Minister noted areas of concern that the authorities have already addressed. He said they were shared concerns. Edward pointed to the installation of scores of cameras at various schools. “We have embarked on a fencing programme to keep perpetrators at bay – persons who have a tendency to tamper with school property. We also looked at some of the new initiatives that were in the budget for which we have received funding,” he noted. In this regard, the Minister mentioned the mathematics programme. The Ministry’s Communications Unit release quoted...