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Jr school teachers of ESHS stage sudden sickout protest

- Education Ministry & School caught off guard; Children sent back home
October 27th, 2021 | Tags: strike protest Teachers ESHS jr school sickout
Students of the junior school section of Elmore Stoutt High School turned up for classes as normal today, October 27, 2021, only to be told they would have to go back home as teachers were engaged in a sickout protest. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Students of the junior school section of Elmore Stoutt High School turned up for classes as normal today, October 27, 2021, only to be told they would have to go back home as teachers were engaged in a sickout protest.

According to reports, the nearly half of the staff absenting themselves from work has caught the Ministry of Education and even the administration of the school by surprise.

It meant that the teachers that turned up for work had to scramble to arrange transportation for students to return home and parents had to find alternative arrangements for their children at the last minute.

Reasons for protest unclear

It is unclear what are the reasons for the sudden protest.

The Ministry of Education and the administration of the school have declined to speak to the media at this time.

More details to follow.

Meanwhile, Virgin Islands News Online was told that the high school students located at the old CTL Building in Pasea were told to stay home today to allow for the facility to be cleaned and sanitised.

60 Responses to “Jr school teachers of ESHS stage sudden sickout protest”

  • student (27/10/2021, 09:57) Like (24) Dislike (62) Reply
    Some of these people trying hard to destabilize the government but the world is a circle
    • Yep (27/10/2021, 19:01) Like (0) Dislike (6) Reply
      K****a and C****y agenda. This Karma will hit both of them really hard especially C***y the right leader.
  • huh (27/10/2021, 10:12) Like (8) Dislike (14) Reply
    why did they show up to school if they were told last night that classes would be online for the rest of the week?
    • @ huh (27/10/2021, 11:46) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
      It's two different location, the one located by CTL was told to stay home, the teachers from the high school located in town were the ones that called sick.
    • @HUH (27/10/2021, 11:55) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
      Obviously you can't read and comprehend. Only the senior school was closed and to be online not Jr school
    • Know better before commenting (27/10/2021, 20:23) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      The school is split into 2 system. Junior and senior, which both basically use 2 different campus, but senior school still have certain classes at junior school campus.

      However being that the school is split all are one and fall under one umbrella "the teachers union"
  • hmmm (27/10/2021, 10:15) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    What are they protesting though?

    Need more information.
  • UK Own (27/10/2021, 10:22) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    Stop cleaning and Sanitizing put proper Ventilation in the building s CTL sells Stuff that can fix that. IT'S a Damn same how Tax payrs money
  • A Parent (27/10/2021, 10:30) Like (47) Dislike (3) Reply
    I am with the teachers 100%.
    • my2cents (27/10/2021, 12:50) Like (8) Dislike (32) Reply
      Not on this action I'm not. This is not a good look for the teachers at all!!!
    • @ A Parent (27/10/2021, 14:43) Like (8) Dislike (8) Reply
      Ok you are with the teachers 100% but for what? They didnt even state what caused them to stay home but you with them 100%
      • @@A Parent (27/10/2021, 16:39) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
        I keep telling you guys to stop assuming, you don’t know what I know and is aware off.
      • WHO CARES @ A PARENT (27/10/2021, 19:00) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        Why are you made, send your kids to school for the same teachers to shape them or give them attention you dont. The teachers who want better don't have any other means to express themselves if all the complaints falls on def ears, what else should they do? The got the attention they needed, and it is working, let the minister or education fire anyone of them and try to replace them with an outsider. If im at teacher on the outside and seeing this I for sure wouldnt want to come here in this mess. We cant brag about having so much money and not seeing govt infrastructure or a proper school building to put our students and teachers. The teachers need someone to look out for them, just like you need them to lookout for your child. The salary in many Govt department is embarrassing especially at the airport, my cousin is an air traffic controller making less than me and that job is highly established career worldwide. Im ashame of all of this, and its time to get fix.
  • musa (27/10/2021, 10:31) Like (10) Dislike (5) Reply
    Sad move but I hope for a good reason
  • Finally (27/10/2021, 10:34) Like (39) Dislike (4) Reply
    I’m glad that the teachers are FINALLY taking a stand. It has been going on for TOO long now!
  • Observer (27/10/2021, 10:35) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    The Teachers Union is believed to be behind this move .
    • kl (27/10/2021, 21:39) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
      This is pure polotics, and it is unfortunate that the orchestrator is using the dificulties the teachers in the system have been facing as the foundation for her political aspirations. She started her campaign by posting her pay slip and saying that she has a masters and this is what she makes, what she failed to say was that the ink used to print her degree wasn't even dry when she made that statement. Who knows maybe next ellection she will get more than 28 votes and she wont need to use the teachers to help push her agenda.
  • Sue said it (27/10/2021, 10:36) Like (31) Dislike (6) Reply
    Enough is simply enough. I’m standing with the Teachers decision on the sick out. They did what they had to do.
  • Good Morning Teachers (27/10/2021, 10:47) Like (17) Dislike (3) Reply
    Take this how you like, was $300.00 and happy hour really worth it? In the end, NOOOOO. I actually thought you guys were more smarter than that and smell the bait dangling on the end of the rod.
  • Yuppppp (27/10/2021, 10:50) Like (49) Dislike (3) Reply
    More workers in the BVI should do this!!! We out here working hard for no money!!
  • There (27/10/2021, 10:57) Like (4) Dislike (10) Reply
    and that is the problem with 12 sick days allowed a year and can be taken anytime without just cause
  • ... (27/10/2021, 11:01) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Could of at least sent an email or text to students and parents. Good for ayo.
  • Teachers (27/10/2021, 11:38) Like (26) Dislike (6) Reply
    They just dont get it. Give the teachers their 5 years increment. and raise their pay across the board according to experience... jah! Money fixes things!!!
  • 7 8 9 (27/10/2021, 11:40) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    yes i
  • Wrong approach (27/10/2021, 12:02) Like (10) Dislike (55) Reply
    This is not the best way to handle this kind of dispute. Teachers I can not side with you on this one. In fact your actions separate the wheat from the chaff. You are not teachers. All you are doing is following Myron and ndp trying to undermine Minister Wheatley and used as a pawn.
    • a$$ (27/10/2021, 13:04) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
      So what approach should they've taken then because i'm pretty sure they been complaining about the conditions they've been working in.....
    • @Wrong approach (27/10/2021, 13:14) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Are you freaking kidding me? another I am wrong but want to be strong at the same time idiot. YES, IDIOT.
    • Hope (27/10/2021, 14:20) Like (10) Dislike (4) Reply
      Separate the chaff from the wheat? They are not teacher because for once they are thinking of themselves and their families rather than you, your children, the ministry, the whole world! Grow up!
    • Power she looking… (27/10/2021, 16:30) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
      This got to be Crabbe! Girl bye!!!
  • yyy (27/10/2021, 12:09) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    The staff at intershore definitely need to do something like that for at least a week
  • As a parent (27/10/2021, 12:18) Like (23) Dislike (2) Reply
    We have to stand in solidarity with our teachers. The parents carry a lot of weight in the schools, we stand in solidarity with ours teachers changes will be made. Remember, it is about the future of our children and we have to fight for their future.

  • @ WRONG APPROACH (27/10/2021, 13:02) Like (0) Dislike (8) Reply
    HEY JASPERT IS HERE NOW SO YOU CAN GET CREATIVE AND PUT SOME BLAME ON HIM TOO / HYPOCRITE
  • Covid outbreak in the school!! (27/10/2021, 13:10) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    What has happened today in the school is a covid outbreak, Corona virus spread, h1n1 infection, or maybe the teachers are just SICK of the government leaders and their lies! Maybe it's because they haven't received their increments that have been outstanding for years; maybe it's because the $300 stipend that was promised to them has not yet been delivered, it could be deplorable work conditions, feeling slighted and unappreciated. It could be a number of things. I applaud the stance of those who have the courage and back bone to fight for what they believe in. Stay unified. The government can't penalize you once you do. You're too crucial and integral to the operations of the society. Don't return to school or teaching until your demands are met!
  • Fanily of teachers (27/10/2021, 13:47) Like (16) Dislike (3) Reply
    I am in agreement with the teachers 100%. Teachers all over the world are under paid, they are baby sitters and day care workers for all our children for the major part of a day, so why are they not to be disgruntly and start a stick out? Teachers have bills to pay also and cost of living is going up and their salaries remains the same. Its time the people in power do better for our teachers.
    I stand with them.
    • Hope (27/10/2021, 14:21) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Thank you!
    • concern (27/10/2021, 14:34) Like (6) Dislike (12) Reply
      I hope it's not about the salary ,but other conditions that put them and the student in harm's way. When they applied for the teaching job they knew what salary they would be paid. nurses and teachers are special people called by God,but not all of them are called some are only there for the paycheck. Gone are the days when teachers spent time teaching now all they are concerned about is making students pay money to wear their own clothes. Them acting like money grow on trees . Government needs to pay more attention to the needs of the school . Everything Government has fail in the last twenty years when it comes to our child education. Teachers to by neglecting those that are slow. They can't even recognized when I child had challenges and make recommendation for the child to get help. Children with ADD ,down syndrome and so many other challenges that don't allow them to learn like a normal child teachers don't point those things out so the child could get the help he or she needs. Sickout is not the answer let find better solution for the problems at hand please. Remember some of these child their parents are work off island and they would be walking the streets untill there parents get home. People we are bigger than that.
      • @concern (27/10/2021, 23:31) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
        Is your point that teachers need to be available to babysit your child and go the extra mile for your child but it’s a crime to expect to be adequately compensated for the job? Are you for real? Teachers deserve more because they work hard and much is expected of them. I stand with teachers in demanding better wages and working conditions.
  • Hope (27/10/2021, 14:12) Like (15) Dislike (6) Reply
    I know for a fact that staying away from work is a very last resort for teachers. In my experience teachers tolerate more nonsense than any other professionals. It has to be very bad for the teachers to have taken such action! Parents cry when they have to handle their children for a few days; teachers deal with large classes everyday. Don't chastise the teachers until you know their story. Minister get up and do what needs to be done! Your teachers are human beings too.
  • Reporter (27/10/2021, 14:22) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    In solidarity with the teachers 100%.
  • Take a stand (27/10/2021, 14:34) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
    Lets see the parents and teachers take a stand if and when they come with there freezer and pfizer vaccine crap for the kids.It is plain for everyone to see the dangers it is causing around the world(inflamation of the heart and deaths) and people still acting blind. Be ready to stand for every right cause.
    • Up Your (27/10/2021, 15:15) Like (2) Dislike (7) Reply
      What utter foolishness is this? My child took the Pfizer vaccine and is perfectly healthy. Take your goat mouth and stick it up your.... On another note, I hope there is a good reason for this "sick out" I hope it's much more than this $300.00 story.
  • I too shall stand (27/10/2021, 14:45) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    I will stand with the teachers. It is about damn time they took a firm stand. If you ask me, the teachers is treated like throw aways here in the BVI and does not get recognized in the manner that they should. Being a teacher is not an easy job.
  • $300 slap in he face (27/10/2021, 15:10) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I luv it...lol
  • Observer (27/10/2021, 15:13) Like (2) Dislike (11) Reply
    The NDP supporter lost the election and they went to Jaspert and say all kinds of things about the VIP government. Jaspert call in Coi to investigate with the intention to bring down the Fahie government. Now Walwyn and Marlon join with the teachers union to encourage teachers to stay home to undermind the Fahie administration.
    • @observer (27/10/2021, 21:51) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Where is your RECEIPTS to prove that.
    • @observer (28/10/2021, 01:30) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      And if they did, they were within their rights. There is no law on the books stating that they could not meet with the Teachers Union. About encouraging teachers to stay home IS A LIE AND YOU KNOW THAT. FYI, I WILL BE STICKING WITH THE TEACHERS.
  • OK Then (27/10/2021, 15:13) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    things just don't happened and we all know pressure buss pipe; how much can you take ??

    those we vote for very busy ensuring the visitor have a good experience while here- however some of we that live here gets the short end of the stick

    run talk dat
  • up set (27/10/2021, 15:32) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Take some of the money u all give to that man take some of it and give it to those teacher thay are like a second perant to our children thay deserve to be treated good
  • Hmm (27/10/2021, 17:24) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    I could be very well wrong but i do think that majority of teachers that did showed up to work are expats
  • big show (27/10/2021, 17:49) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    The problem with this guy is his education playing him thinks he can sweet talk everybody but it catching up with him fast.
    • Hmm (27/10/2021, 21:23) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      If you can read the problem was there from before. The previous guy is to be blamed too. Money on a wall could a very well be spent on the school itself.
  • Funny (27/10/2021, 18:56) Like (4) Dislike (7) Reply
    Funny that the way that our children are the future and then the TEACHERS turn around and do this. In the end, it is the students that suffer. There are ways and means to do things. FIRE THEM ALL and bring in proper teachers.
    • @Funny (28/10/2021, 00:56) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      The children are our future and Teachers will be no use to them if their working condition is not good. Also the conditions are bad for the children too. I support the teachers standing up we cannot continue to be cowards afraid of being victimize. A good lesson for the kids to learn that it is time to get rid of the culture of fear that the slave masters left us with and our own continue to capitalize on that fear when they get in top position. Fearful to get fired, fearful of salaries being docked, fearful to opset someone, this is the 21st century there is human rights and freedom of speach and expression or don't we have that in our constitution.
  • Police Next (27/10/2021, 19:51) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    Police Department need to strike next. Imagine having to put your life on the line everyday and is the most under paid force in the Caribbean. Even the forces who paying their police officers in a different currency making more than police here in the BVI. It’s a crying shame.
  • Imagine this (28/10/2021, 09:29) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    A person applies for a job, is accepted, is given a letter stating the conditions and the pay then later complains about the conditions and the pay that they signed on for. But wait, their performance is less than it should be because in their mind, the fluff of the job was the vacation time - off in the summer, at christmas and at easter. They constantly complain about the students. They were trained to deal with children of all types but now that is too much for them to deal with. Just imagine.
    I am willing to bet that if you double those teachers salaries they will be back in two years complaining about which profession is higher paid than they are.
    When you accept a position you should not complain, you know what you signed on for. If you all were genuine teachers to begin with your focus would be totally different but I have always maintained that teachers are not trained but born. You can spot a real teacher from a mile and no amount of training will give make an person compassionate, loving or kind.
    It is time to week out the bad apples from the good ones. I expect a lot of negative response to this post but have said what I have said and I do not care what negative response pops up so dive in and bash as much as you can.
    • @imagine it (29/10/2021, 07:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Off course you expect backlash, because you know you talking BS!! Go rite way and One Mart and tell them you are a kind loving and compassionate teacher. To pay the cost of inflation when you reach the cashier!! You fool.. Things are not the same as 10 years ago. if a teacher can't buy food, pay rent, pay transportation How the hell they suppose to survive and be in great condition to teach. Go sit down think before you write caca!!


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