Court appoints two Senior Counsel to mediate in the GTU strike issue
Senior counsel, Edward Luckhoo and Robin Stoby have been appointed by the High court to act as mediators to possibly resolve the... Read More
High Court Judge, Sandil Kissoon, has proposed the initiation of a Court appointed mediation process that would allow for the Government and the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) to meet and discuss the ongoing dispute that has resulted in a nationwide strike by teachers over their salaries. The intention is to resolve the matter, and ultimately bring an end to the strike action by teachers, which would pave the way for teachers and students to return to the classroom. In Court today, the Guyana Teachers’ Union readily agreed to the proposed mediation process, but Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, told the Court that the Government would need 24 hours to consider the proposal. Justice Kissoon, who at the time was hearing a contempt case involving Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain, questioned why there has been no movement by the Government and the Union to resolve the matter. He expressed concern for the nation’s children. “I want to ask… is it not time that a pathway, a conversation, be explored to see whether a resolution…a common ground can be found… to have our nation’s precious resources, our teachers and students back in school?” the Judge questioned. Justice Kissoon, while touting Senior Counsel Edward Luckhoo as a possible mediator, wanted the conversation to start today, pointing out that all parties in the matter, including the Chief Education Officer, and the President of the GTU, were present in Court. But the Attorney General said Government would need time to consider. “I can’t commit to such a process. I indicated to the Court that I act on behalf of a collective. The collective is the Government of Guyana, and so I have to go and get instructions from the Government of Guyana, and report back to the Court,” the Attorney General told reporters outside the courtroom. The Attorney General said based on information provided by the CEO, the Education Ministry invited the Union to a meeting last Wednesday, but union officials were a no show. He said the Government will consider the court’s proposal and make its position known. However, inside the Court, the GTU President on being called upon by the Judge to weigh in on the proposal, told the Court that more than three weeks ago, the Union wrote the Ministry of Education expressing a willingness to meet, but there has been no response. “GTU has always given a commitment, and I speak on behalf of all of the members and the executive of GTU, that we are ready to commence those talks. We believe that not only our teachers are affected in this case but all of Guyana – the learners – we have some important examinations. “So, the talks would pave the way for us to decide, if or when we go back and how,” Lyte told reporters after stepping out of the courtroom. Counsel for the GTU, Darren Wade told reporters he was disappointed that the Attorney General was unable to commit to such a process immediately. “If you look at the application that was filed, and it was alluded to from the beginning, that several attempts were made by the Union to engage the Government, today in Court, the President was there, and he said, yes, we are prepared to meet with the Government, and the Attorney General cannot give the Court an undertaking that they could meet with the Union. He has to go and talk to his superiors. “This is about the fourth week this strike is going on and there is no move by the government to engage the union. There is no move whatsoever, and that saddens me,” Wade said. The Government has asked for 24 hours to consider the proposal to engage in mediation. As such, the matter will come up again before Justice Kissoon tomorrow at 3pm for the parties to state their position. They are also expected to each propose a mediator during that hearing. It was noted in Court that while the mediation process is being considered, the substantive matter over the Government wanting to cut the salaries of striking teache
In a dramatic turn of events, a legal battle between the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) unfolded,... Read More
Govt, GTU go to court to discuss mediation
High Court Judge, Sandil Kissoon, has proposed the initiation of a Court appointed mediation process that would allow for the Government and... Read More
Director of Public Prosecutions appeals decision by magistrate to throw out David Patterson’s ‘public exposure’ case
The Director Of Public Prosecutions Shalimar Ali-Hack has appealed a decision made by magistrate Dillon Bess to dismiss a case brought against... Read More
16-Y-O tell cops his missing friend died since 2023 after being electrocuted
–says he was threatened by another friend that he would kill him if he says anything Human bones suspected to be those... Read More
Irfaan Ali’s position on our Haitian brothers and sisters, reeks of hypocrisy.
The 46th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government opened yesterday in Georgetown Guyana; surprisingly, the Parliamentary Opposition was invited and... Read More
CANU arrest two airport workers for drug smuggling
On Thursday, CANU Officers attached to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, intercepted two males, who were observed retrieving four duffle bags over... Read More
Guyana, Suriname Chamber of Commerce launched
The inauguration of the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce last Saturday, at the Pegasus Corporate Center, stands as a landmark moment in strengthening... Read More
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield Announces New U.S. Funding to Support Climate Adaptation in the Caribbean
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Representative to the United Nations, announced in Georgetown, Guyana, at the 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of... Read More
Reflections on our Political Economy
Dear Editor, Reflections on our Political Economy, Dear Editor, I write to recognise the outstanding presentation by young Nigel Hughes at last... Read More
