PM Browne Accuses Political Operatives Within Teachers’ Union of Fuelling Protest Action

PM Browne Accuses Political Operatives Within Teachers’ Union of Undermining Education System

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has accused elements within the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers (ABUT) of using recent industrial action for political purposes, warning that their actions risk harming students and undermining the education system.

Speaking on Pointe FM on Saturday, Mr Browne said he believes the leadership of the union includes individuals “who are political activists of the UPP” and are leveraging the dispute over unpaid allowances to score political points.

“There are certain political elements within the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers who are also activists of the UPP, who are now trying to bring politics into the fray,” Mr Browne said. “They’re not coming with clean hands.”

The prime minister said that while the government acknowledges the right of teachers to advocate for their entitlements, the continuation of the strike even after nearly all payments had been processed was excessive.

“By Wednesday there were only six individuals who had not received their cheques,” he said. “We pleaded with union officials — it’s only six people now, please go back to work.”

He added: “That type of behaviour is disproportionate. It is excessive.”

The strike action came amid delays in disbursing allowances for school administrators and technical subject teachers. Government officials said all remaining cheques had been issued by Friday.

Mr Browne insisted that most teachers remained dedicated to their students and should not be painted with the same brush. However, he criticised the union’s leadership for allowing “a loud minority” to drive the agenda.

“If we allow those individuals to exercise an outsized influence on the teachers’ union, they’re going to become destructive,” he said. “They’ll undermine the progress of our youth.”

The prime minister concluded with a broader appeal, saying: “Our children can’t stand up for themselves — we have a responsibility to protect them. And if individuals are taking disproportionate action that could prejudice their development, then we have to call it out.”

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