In a united front, three leading voices in Antigua and Barbuda’s education sector defended the recent industrial action taken by public school teachers, stressing that the move was both necessary and overdue in light of years of government’s inaction to outstanding financial commitments.
During an appearance on Observer media’s Big Issues on Sunday, the veteran educators — Ottos Comprehensive School’s Principal Foster Roberts; retired educator who gave 41 years to the educational sector and unionist Vernest Mack; along with former President of the Antigua and Barbuda Union of teachers (A&BUT) Ashworth Azille — expressed unwavering support for the union and its decision to stage sit-ins over unpaid allowances to teachers dating back to 2018.
Their discussion followed confirmation from the government that a Public Service Commission (PSC) investigation is underway to determine the administrative failures that led to delays in payments to over 300 educators. Government spokesperson Lionel Hurst confirmed that a report will be issued on the matter, after Prime Minister Gaston Browne called for a probe in response to mounting public and union pressure.
“All workers have a constitutional right to take industrial action if they need to,” said Mack, who served as President of the A&BUT for nine years. “Togetherness for progress is key and the public, often misinformed, needs to understand what teachers are enduring.”
Principal Roberts, an educator of 41 years, stated that the union exhausted all diplomatic efforts before action was taken. “The sit-in was one of the lowest forms of industrial action and yet it got results,” he said. “The A&BUT acted responsibly and within its rights.”
Azille, who’s also a former President of the Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT), noted the broader implications of teachers’ protest: “When teachers take action, it reverberates across society. This wasn’t just about money; this was about dignity, respect, and proper governance,” he said.
The educators also criticized the government’s mismanagement of public funds, arguing that teachers’ salaries and allowances have not been prioritized.
“Projects with far less benefit get millions in funding,” Azille said. “But teachers, who mould every profession in this country, are made to wait years for what they’ve rightfully earned.”
Mack added that “teachers are not well-paid; even principals with advanced degrees never crossed $5,000 monthly. We sacrifice for students every day, often from our own pockets.”
A major theme throughout the conversation was the public’s lack of understanding about labor rights and union function.
“Many Antiguans don’t understand the role of unions,” Roberts said. “It’s time to introduce labour education in schools so that future generations can appreciate why unions exist and how they protect workers.”
All three educators emphasized that meaningful reform is the only path forward, and while they complimented the Public Service Commission for anouncing an investigation into the debacle, they also called for accountability and structural change.
“We want no repeat of this,” Azille concluded. “We need improved systems, transparency, and a government that keeps its promises. And we need to stop vilifying teachers who only want to be treated fairly.”
