High Court Orders Govt to Produce Records of Salary Talks with Teachers Union

By Mark DaCosta- In a significant development regarding the ongoing dispute between the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), High Court Judge Sandil Kissoon has issued a crucial order. The court has mandated the Ministry’s Chief Executive Officer, Saddam Hussain, to furnish evidence demonstrating discussions on financial matters with the GTU from 2019 to February 5, 2024.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall has committed to providing the requested documents to the GTU’s legal representatives, Darren Wade and Roysdale Forde from the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), by midnight Tuesday, March 19, 2024. This move sets the stage for a forthcoming court session on Wednesday – tomorrow – anticipated to entail an extensive cross-examination process.

Before the issuance of this directive, Justice Kissoon urged Mr. Wade to retract a Notice of Application due to jurisdictional concerns. Although the withdrawal was executed, Attorney General Nandlall chose not to pursue court costs from the teachers’ union.

The High Court specifically demands the submission of “all documentary evidence, supporting agenda, and minutes of meetings” from 2020 to February 5, 2024. This evidence aims to validate claims made in the Chief Education Officer’s affidavit regarding discussions on financial matters between the involved parties.

Moreover, it’s worth noting that an agreement stemming from court-mediated mediation had been reached prior to these proceedings. However, Justice Kissoon emphasised that any alleged breaches of this agreement should be addressed through contempt proceedings rather than through the Notice of Application.

During the court proceedings, Attorney General Nandlall characterised the GTU’s Notice of Application as an abuse of process and frivolous. He further insisted that both parties should present their records and be subject to cross-examination.

In response to these assertions, Senior Counsel Forde clarified the GTU’s stance, as articulated by President Dr. Mark Lyte, stating that the union lacks minutes covering financial matters. Attorney-at-Law Wade reiterated the union’s position, denying any collective bargaining or discussions pertaining to teacher benefits, instead emphasising meetings’ focus on policies and classroom issues.

As this legal saga unfolds, it underscores the pressing need for transparency and accountability in our country’s educational system. The forthcoming court session holds significant implications for both teachers’ rights and the broader landscape of labour relations in Guyana.

The hearing begins today at 9:00 a.m

As Guyanese watch these developments, Village Voice News intends to keep all citizens on you of things, as they happen.