The Grenada government has confirmed that several teachers on temporary contracts have not received their salaries for several months, while some permanent staff have not been paid for the previous month. This situation has raised significant concerns among educators, particularly as public sector workers are typically paid on a bi-monthly basis.
Acting Prime Minister Andy Williams addressed the issue, expressing optimism that the matter would be resolved by next week. “We are doing our best,” he stated, emphasizing that both the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance are actively working to ensure teachers are compensated promptly.
In Grenada’s public service framework, the Ministry of Finance handles payment processing, but several other entities, including the Public Service Commission and the Department of Public Administration, also play key roles in ensuring compliance with payment protocols.
While Williams did not provide specific reasons for the delays, he noted that the Ministry of Education and the Public Service Commission are collaborating to address the issue. He further mentioned that upon learning about the situation, he promptly organized a meeting with the Grenada Union of Teachers (GUT) to facilitate a resolution.
The government’s swift response underscores the importance of ensuring that educators receive their salaries on time, as many depend on this income to support their families and fulfill their professional obligations.
GUT president, Jude Bartholomew, criticized the government’s inability to pay teachers on time, expressing concern over the broader economic implications.
“Even if the contractual period ends, the information is already there, and we cannot understand the delay. The teachers cannot understand it; the nation cannot understand it,” said Bartholomew.
He spoke of the detrimental effect on teachers’ morale and the country’s economy.
“A teacher comes into the system for the new school year, motivated and ready to teach, but when they don’t get paid, it frustrates the teacher and, ultimately, the economy.”
Following an emergency meeting on Tuesday with the teachers, a decision was taken for them to begin industrial action by wearing red t-shirts and to take a few minutes during their lunchtime on Friday to raise the issue using placards.
Offering an apology for the late payment, Williams said that his government will work to ensure that this problem does not recur in the future.
“It is a case where we have to call all stakeholders involved to review the process,” he said.
