Coretta McDonald, the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) presidential candidate, has emerged victorious in a legal battle that now allows her to contest the union’s presidency, following a High Court ruling last Friday. The court ruled in her favour, affirming her right to hold the roles of both GTU General Secretary and Member of Parliament for the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition simultaneously, despite opposition from her rivals.
McDonald’s main contenders—Second Vice President Julian Cambridge and the Union’s current President, Dr. Mark Lyte—had argued that McDonald could not legally hold three positions: General Secretary, President, and MP. However, Justice Nicola Pierre dismissed these concerns, clarifying that the GTU constitution imposes no restrictions on an active teacher holding such offices. The ruling also reinstated Lyte and Cambridge to their respective posts, declaring their suspensions null and void.
McDonald was represented by attorneys Eusi Anderson and Darren Wade, while Lyte and Cambridge were defended by Kamal Ramkarran.
In response to the decision, McDonald hailed the court’s ruling as a validation of both her position and the GTU constitution. “The constitution is clear; it does not bar an active teacher from holding office while also serving as a Member of Parliament,” McDonald stated, adding that the legal challenge mounted by her opponents was a deliberate attempt to tarnish her candidacy.
Despite the legal victory, McDonald chose not to pursue any costs from Lyte and Cambridge, instead prioritising the rebuilding of the union’s morale. “We have work to do at the GTU,” she explained, acknowledging that the union had suffered under the recent leadership but expressing her determination to restore the confidence of the membership.
Her legal victory echoes a long-standing tradition in Guyana’s trade union movement, where the leadership of unions and political involvement have often intersected. The GTU itself has a history of leaders balancing union responsibilities and political roles. One prominent example is Shalahuddin, who served as GTU Vice President while simultaneously holding a ministerial position in the government of Forbes Burnham.
Similarly, in the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), its president Seepaul Narine serves as a Member of Parliament under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government. This history underscores the precedent for union leaders holding political office, challenging the notion that McDonald’s dual role is unprecedented or inappropriate.
With elections expected in the quarter of this year, McDonald is buoyed by strong grassroots support, securing 24 out of 28 branch nominations. If elected, she emphasized her commitment to restoring teachers’ dignity and securing better working conditions, along with advocating for higher salaries. “We will work to ensure teachers are respected and that their voices are heard,” she asserted.
McDonald did not mince words when addressing the current state of the GTU leadership. She criticized the division within the union, attributing it to leaders more concerned with personal agendas than the welfare of teachers. She pointed to the contentious 10% wage deal signed last year by Lyte and Cambridge with the Ministry of Education—well below the 39.5% proposed by central officers—as a major factor in the union’s discontent. “That agreement demoralized teachers,” McDonald said, pledging to rebuild trust and stand firm for the union’s members.
Despite balancing her dual roles as MP and potential union president, McDonald expressed confidence in her ability to serve both functions effectively, citing her history of advocating for teachers’ rights, regardless of political affiliation. “I have always stood for the teachers of this country, regardless of which party is in power,” she remarked.
Looking ahead, McDonald outlined several reform initiatives for the GTU, including overhauling the dues remittance system, modernising the union’s constitution, and improving the union’s financial health. Her vision for the future of the GTU, she noted, was shaped by the unwavering support she has received from teachers across the country. “Teachers have confidence in me, and I will not let them down,” McDonald affirmed.
Meanwhile, Cambridge continues his campaign, calling for unity within the GTU and stressing the importance of transparent leadership. He has made it clear that, if elected, his focus would be on maintaining the union’s political independence while working to secure better salaries and conditions for teachers.
