An Open Response to the Prime Minister’s Remarks on Teachers’ Industrial Action

An Open Response to the Prime Minister’s Remarks on Teachers’ Industrial Action

From a Disappointed Labour Supporter

There is value in a strong opposition. Every democracy needs checks and balances to prevent those in power from drifting too far from the people they serve. Regrettably, our current opposition lies in disarray—and for that, I am truly disappointed—because, Prime Minister, you need to be held accountable.

Mr. Prime Minister, you seem to have forgotten that it was the people who put you in office. We were the ones who rallied behind you, overlooked your flaws, and entrusted you with our hopes after the long, wearying rule of the former regime. Your leadership once felt like spring rain on parched soil. But over time, you have become dismissive, defensive, and—dare I say—detached.

To my dismay, I listened as you berated teachers for exercising their right to take industrial action. Blinded by political suspicion, you accused us of partisanship and diminished the very profession that has stood in the gap for this nation through crisis after crisis.

Let me be clear: I will not vote for the opposition in the next election—they have not earned my trust. But I am seriously considering abstaining altogether. The level of disrespect shown toward teachers is deeply troubling. And I am not alone. I’ve heard lifelong Labour supporters quietly confess, “That man can’t get my vote again.” That speaks volumes.

The Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers’ executive was elected by educators across the country. They act on behalf of their membership—not based on personal or political agendas. Their political affiliations are unknown to me and irrelevant to my support. What matters is that they have advocated responsibly and transparently on our behalf.

You acknowledged that the funds were available and had already been allocated. Deadlines were agreed upon—then extended at the Ministry’s request. Yet, promises continued to go unmet. So, we—teachers of all political stripes—chose to act. Not out of politics, but out of principle.

We’ve watched colleagues suffer, some fall gravely ill, and others pass away while waiting for what they were justly owed. Those retroactive payments could have made a real difference in their lives and the lives of their families. So, forgive us if we now stand together in unity to prevent more from being left behind.

You reminded the public that these were merely allowances, and that teachers are still receiving their monthly salaries and a 9% raise. That may be factually accurate, but consider the reality of inflation, rising taxes, and the mounting cost of living. At this point, every dollar matters. If you fail to grasp that, then you are out of touch.

Personally, I am not owed the allowances at the heart of this dispute. What I am owed, like many civil servants, are long-overdue retroactive payments. Still, I cannot, in good conscience, remain silent while my colleagues suffer.

I could not bear to listen to your Saturday radio show. I simply didn’t have the emotional strength to hear you double down on the disrespect.

Sir, I repeat: you are out of touch with reality.

To call teachers “heartless”? That was a blow. We show up despite illness, fatigue, limited resources, and institutional neglect—not for a paycheck, but for our students. When textbooks don’t arrive, we adapt. When infrastructure fails, we adjust. When children come to school hungry, in torn clothes, or emotionally distressed, we step in. We give our time, our money, and our hearts to ensure that no child is left behind.

Yes, there are underperformers in every field. But to malign the entire profession for the shortcomings of a few is unfair and unjust.

To the parents who joined the chorus of criticism: rest assured, these “heartless” teachers will continue to show up. We will continue to clothe, feed, teach, and care for your children—because that is who we are. That is what we do.

I’ve long believed that teachers have been educated into submission. We analyze deeply, weigh consequences carefully, and often choose silence for the sake of stability. But that restraint has come at a cost. It has permitted mistreatment—from students, parents, administrators, the Ministry, and now, from you.

So emboldened by our silence, the Ministry chose to play dirty—publishing a list of teachers’ names to imply that we deliberately refused payment in order to justify a sit-in. That tactic backfired. The accompanying justification and half-hearted apology only made things worse. What was required was a full retraction and an unqualified apology.

When Labour supporters grow disillusioned, they don’t always cross the floor—they simply fall silent. They wait until the party remembers who it was elected to serve. Continue on this path of disregard and defensiveness, and the result will be reflected not in protest, but in voter turnout.

Marie Antoinette told her starving people to eat cake. We all know how that ended. I urge you: do not fly so close to the sun. You may find that it is the people—teachers included—who have been holding your wings together.

Signed,

A Disappointed Teacher and Labour Supporter

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