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Elementary school teachers stage sickout protest

- At least 4 primary schools forced to call off school today, October 29, 2021
Althea Scatliffe Primary School is one of at least four schools forced to call of schooling due to a large volume of absenteeism among teachers. Photo: Internet Source/File
An email sent to parents of children attending the Althea Scatliffe Primary School stated that due to the high volume of absenteeism among teachers there will be no school today. Photo: Team of Reporters
An email sent to parents of children attending the Althea Scatliffe Primary School stated that due to the high volume of absenteeism among teachers there will be no school today. Photo: Team of Reporters
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) reportedly met with some of the aggrieved teachers last night. Photo: GIS/File
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) reportedly met with some of the aggrieved teachers last night. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- At least four primary schools in the territory were forced to call off school for the day, October 29, 2021, due to teachers staging a sickout protest.

The schools facing a shortage of teachers today are Althea Scatliffe Primary School, Francis Lettsome Primary School, Willard Wheatley Primary and Joyce Samuel Primary School.

The teachers are said to be standing in solidarity with the teachers of the Elmore Stoutt High School who have been demanding an immediate fix to issues affecting them.

An email sent to parents of children attending the Althea Scatliffe Primary School this morning stated: “We value the well-being of each student in our care and found it necessary to inform you that due to the high volume of absenteeism among our teachers there will be No school today. We are truly sorry for the inconvenience caused.”

‘No school can function’ without teachers- FLPS Principal

An email to parents from Francis Lettsome Primary School  (FLPS) stated: " I am sure, you are aware that teachers have been taking sick days in solidarity for changes in the system that they have been hoping for for many years. It is their right to participate in the sick day for primary school teachers in support of their struggles as educators and the notion that they matter more than is apparent.

Parents I know you do appreciate teachers, and I am sure you all understand the struggles of teachers. So although this sick out day may affect your usual schedule, your peaceful support for our teachers in this effort, will go a long way in improving the education system through the body that fuels it. OUR TEACHERS, without whom no school can function. I will be on campus, but I cannot receive students without a staff as that will be a dangerous situation for our children."

Education Minister meets with teachers

Teachers began their protest action on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, with a number of Junior School teachers of ESHS staging a sickout, followed by the Senior School teachers of ESHS staging a similar protest the next day.

Our newsroom was told that Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) met with some of the aggrieved teachers last night.

It is unclear what came out of that meeting.

8 Responses to “Elementary school teachers stage sickout protest”

  • WOW (29/10/2021, 10:00) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
    A small nation of 30,000.

    But, size does not matter. Principle does!

    Tax payers’ monies paying stupid arrogant senseless persons court fees when the monies should be paying the tax payers’ children teachers. Who really suffering?

    Please post. I screenshot to see if this post will be posted.
  • Scarecrows and Tinmen (29/10/2021, 10:41) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Proud of my people right now.

    For a long time the place has been going down a drain. No one with a heart or brain could looking at the state of the territory and say it's all fine.

    This was a long time coming.

    I don't drive but if I get a ride you will be seeing me out on Monday.

    A meme to sum things up: https://imgflip.com/i/5sa4en
  • I’m all 4 IT!!! (29/10/2021, 11:03) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    If changes do not come, via means of better working environment for teachers and students! Teacher Resources!!! Teacher wages! And the measly $300 dollars promised since August 31st (which is a slap in the face to teachers) there will be other measures taken!

    We now understand that the Teachers Union is held by its balls to the Government and we therefore, have learned that we are stronger together without them!!!!

    Union and the leaders is a waste!!!

    Teachers on our own we Unite!!!

    Civil servants please get ready to do your bidding, the economy can not survive without you!!! Someone has to hold the powers that be accountable for their actions!! I am tired, I am sick of the behavior and I am ready for changes that will make this place better!!!

    #getridofcronyism #standforchange #teachersunite
  • Monkey See (29/10/2021, 11:42) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    Monkey Do.
  • True Testimony (29/10/2021, 11:44) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    The people are fed up of this government, they are a gross failure...Its only going to get worst If Britain dont step in and rescue us,, take over the steering wheel for a while.....
  • Well Well (29/10/2021, 13:58) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    VIP boy them on y’all to fix in two years all that couldn’t be fixed in 40 plus years. Politics in motion.

  • Waiting on VG (30/10/2021, 15:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    When are they going to join the good cause, this very useful exercise...
  • Just saying (30/10/2021, 23:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I agree ... AS THEY SHOULD . At the end of the day ALL teachers and students MATTERS. This situation has been going on for years and it's time to put an end to this. I am not a teacher but it breaks my heart to see what they're going through in silence. With all the madness going on behind doors , they have sacrificed to go beyond their way just to make sure our children have the best education possible. ALL TEACHERS AND STUDENTS DESERVES BETTER. FIX IT


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