Several schools across Trinidad and Tobago were forced to send students home on Tuesday following reports that large numbers of teachers called in sick, leaving compounds unsupervised and prompting concerns among parents.
Parents at St Mary’s Government School were advised to collect their children after it was reported that no teachers were present on the compound, raising immediate safety concerns.
Similar reports emerged from multiple primary and secondary schools in both Trinidad and Tobago, with principals and parent representatives citing widespread illness among teaching staff.
Schools affected reportedly include Vance River RC in La Brea, Sacred Heart Boys’ RC in Port of Spain, Exchange Presbyterian in Couva, Scarborough Methodist, Jerningham Government Primary, Montrose Government, Tablepiece Government Primary in Tobago, Poole River Presbyterian Primary, Hardbargain RC, Rosary Boys’ RC, St James Secondary, St Anthony’s Girls’ RC in Diego Martin, as well as several schools in Grande, Moruga, Rio Claro, Guaico, and Cunaripo.
In many instances, schools reported only one or two teachers present, while others indicated entire staffs were absent due to flu-like symptoms.
Parents and educators have described the situation as a “sick-out,” although no official confirmation has been issued by the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) or the Ministry of Education to indicate coordinated industrial action.
The disruptions came hours after Cabinet approved wage increases for teachers, following the conclusion of salary negotiations between the
Chief Personnel Officer and TTUTA.
The agreement covers the period October 2020 to September 2023, ending years of discussions over teachers’ pay and benefits.
In a statement earlier on Monday, the Ministry of Education confirmed that all required documentation has been completed and that administrative and financial processes are now underway to implement the revised salaries and consolidated allowances.
The Ministry said implementation would follow established public service procedures and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the welfare of teachers and strengthening the education sector.— Story by I.A.N News
