Teachers to possibly withdraw their services!

Two weeks ago, several educational staff made allegations that unvaccinated employees at Guyana’s Ministry of Education were removed from the compound in handcuffs by the Guyana Police Force (GPF). This followed Guyana’s mandatory vaccination policy for both health care workers and educational staff. Guyana’s Public Service Union (GPSU) and the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) had both condemned what they have referred to as, an attempt to criminalize workers. Following such, Guyana’s Teachers Union (GTU) had called on all its members to take industrial action to protest the government mandatory vaccination policy. The union advised its members to withdraw their services, should any unvaccinated employee be denied entry into the school compounds. The unions are currently observing the Government’s mandate and their policies to further engage in mass protests.

The unions have continued to refuse to support attempts of mandatory vaccination. They are adamant that vaccination must remain a person’s choice and that all vaccines used must be fully approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).

According to Permanent Secretary, Alfred King, reports of employees being carried away in handcuffs are false. He did report though that employees were given ample time and grace period to be vaccinated. He said that all employees were informed that they would be denied entry, should they not be vaccinated or, are unable to provide a recent, negative PCR test. He stated that despite this information and knowledge, several unvaccinated employees made their way to the compound. He said that only then were the police called and were employees asked to leave the compound.

As it stands in Trinidad and Tobago, Education Minister Nyan Gadsby-Dolly has stated that teachers do not need to report their vaccination status.