By Saskia Warrick
December 20, 2024
Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has expressed strong disapproval and shock over the recent suspension of Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) President Mark Light and Second Vice President Julian Cambridge.
The suspension, which was decided by the GTU’s General Council, follows a disagreement over an agreement made between the union and the Government in August.
Dr. Jagdeo, speaking at his weekly press conference, suggested that the suspensions were politically motivated.
He criticized the decision, claiming that political factions within the GTU were undermining the leadership’s efforts to serve the interests of teachers.
He further accused Coretta McDonald, a Member of Parliament and the GTU General Secretary, of orchestrating the suspensions due to dissatisfaction with the union’s leadership.
Jagdeo also pointed out that McDonald’s dual role, holding a political position while being involved with the union, violated its internal rules and called for legal action against her.
The Vice President characterized the actions as “utterly disgusting,” accusing the opposition APNU+AFC of attempting to use an industrial dispute for political gain but failing when the government reached agreements with the GTU and other unions.
He reaffirmed that the government’s agreements with the teachers’ union were made in good faith and should be respected.