Talks between officials from the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development and the Barbados Secondary Teacher’s Union (BSTU) continued yesterday, to thrash out industrial relations issues related to the Alexandra School in Speightstown, St. Peter.
After the two-hour meeting, at the Ministry’s Constitution Road, St. Michael headquarters, both parties expressed satisfy action with the progress made so far and reiterated their commitment to a smooth start of the upcoming school term.
In a statement at the end of the discussions, Minister of Education Ronald Jones, noted that a number of issues had been resolved and that both sides would continue to work together to wrap up any outstanding matters.
He also pointed out that the best practices applied to that case would also pertain to other secondary schools throughout the system. This would include an understanding that all personnel under the ambit of the Ministry are expected to respect the policies and decisions that emanate from that organisation, and that the office of the Chief Education Officer should be respected by all teachers and administrators.??
Mr. Jones further added that it was agreed that there should be mutual respect and understanding among all persons in the teaching service, so that "persons do not feel disadvantaged in the operation of a school".
It is expected that memoranda outlining the correct procedures for daily operations in schools will be re-circulated.
Both parties also agreed to continue to work together for the general improvement of the education system in Barbados. kmoore@barbados.gov.bb