Statement by the Leader of the Opposition

Honourable Basdeo Panday


LEADER of the Opposition Basdeo Panday has called upon Minister of Education Ester Le Gendre to clear the air on whether On the Job Trainees (OJT’s) are actually conducting classes in any of the nation’s schools as stated by President of the National Parent Teachers’ Association (NPTA).

The following facts emerge out of newspaper reports:
1. Parents are alleging that OJT’s are conducting classes of their children,
2. The NPTA president says: “I know some schools are using them to teach,” and
3. Principals are complaining of staff shortages and absenteeism and OJT’s being used to supervise students.

In a release, Mr Panday called on the Minister to state categorically whether any of these allegations are true or false. If they are true then she must promptly explain why the education of the nation’s children is being placed in the hands of unqualified persons. She must also advise whether any laws are being broken by persons who are not teachers functioning and performing the duties of teachers, and what action will be taken against persons who have breached the Ministry’s directive that OJT’s must function as nothing more than classroom attendants.

Mr Panday said the Minister must tell the public what is being done to remedy this situation and in what timeframe the shortage of teachers will be alleviated in light of the comments from the principals and NPTA president.

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