Caribbean News Now!

ST JOHN’S, Antigua -- Director of education in Antigua and Barbuda, Jacintha Pringle, has expressed disappointment at some public schools principals’ decision to join in the industrial action taken by teachers over late payment of salaries.

Pringle told her ministry’s communications department that principals must remember they have a responsibility, and as managers, they should not be on strike.

“While I understand that teachers are taking industrial action, I just want to remind public schools principals that they ought to be aware of the fact that they are a part of management, and management is not on strike.”

Her comments come following the poor turnout of students at the annual Commonwealth Day Service held at the All Saints Anglican Church on Monday. Pringle stated that it was a great disappointment to witness an almost empty church, which ultimately hampered the planned event.

“The ministry is disappointed that some schools did not show up, although they were supposed to be part of that service. They were informed long before the industrial action started that their schools will be participating in a significant way, and so I must say I was surprised to find that some of the participating schools were not there.”

Pringle is pleading with principals to “be more responsible.” She expressed that she is fully aware of what is transpiring (late payment of salaries), but at the same time principals must remember that children are being taught certain values. She labels the non-attendance of schools that were down to participate in Monday’s service as disrespectful to the ministry of education and also to the country.

“I hope something like this does not happen again. I am saying to school principals you are not supposed to be on strike. The life of the school continues,” she said.

Despite her disappointment, she took time out to commend those schools that actively participated in the Commonwealth Day service.

The 2013 Commonwealth Day service was held under theme “Opportunity through Enterprise, Unlocking Potential with Innovation and Excellence.”

Reads: 1729


Tweet