Guyana to host Caribbean teachers’ conference in August

The upcoming 36th biennial Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT) conference slated to take place in Guyana from August 4-9 will address several burning issues confronting teachers, not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean region.

According to Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) President Colin Bynoe, plans are apace for the hosting of the conference, which will address issues such as violence against teachers, increased wages, marking of school based assessments, among other issues.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Bynoe said violence against teachers, which remains a major issue, will be raised during the conference, with the aim of finding solutions to the problem.
CUT President Marvin Andall, a Grenadian by birth, will be delivering the keynote address, while President Donald Ramotar, Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster will also address the occasion.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand is expected to address the award ceremony and banquet to be held on the last day of the weeklong event.
Delegates are expected to arrive in Guyana on August 3 and the following day there will be a church service to commence activities.
On Monday, August 5, there will be a women’s session followed by the formal opening in the afternoon.
Delegates will go into the business sessions the following day, which will continue until the conference ends.
An estimated 500 persons are expected to visit Guyana during the conference.
Those also attending include CUT General Secretary Adolph Cameron, the first, second and third vice presidents, trustees and the assistant secretary of the regional teachers’ body, along with teachers from across all the Caribbean territories.
Focus will also be paid on promoting destination Guyana, as several activities are planned to take place during the course of the conference. A massive Guyana Night is also on the programme, where various aspects of Guyana’s culture, food, dances and songs will be showcased. Several other cultural performances and events are planned for the conference.
A number of companies have already joined the GTU and the Education Ministry in a bid to make the conference a success. The GTU so far is pleased with the support it has been getting from the private sector and the Education Ministry as the time moves closer to the date of the highly anticipated event.
The conference will be observed under the theme “Improving the professional status of teachers in the Caribbean”. It will provide an opportunity for representatives of all CUT members to meet and strengthen their bonds of solidarity.
Delegates to the conference will also have an opportunity to select an executive to run the affairs of the CUT for the next biennium conference.