The Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) has strongly criticised Education Minister Sonia Parag over her recent statement that “teachers gone missing, children left to sleep in classroom,” calling it “distasteful” and “misleading.” The comments, made on September 29, 2025, drew swift response from the Union, which argues they overlook the real challenges confronting teachers across Guyana.
In a statement, the GTU expressed appreciation that the Minister acknowledged that “teachers are the moulders of the nation,” but stressed that her remarks failed to address the daily struggles educators face. “In her rush to exhibit ‘care’ for our children, she must be reminded that no one — whether you’re a teacher, a nurse, a policeman, a public servant or a farmer — will be able to strive successfully if the conditions under which they work are not conducive,” the union said.
The GTU detailed the myriad challenges teachers face, including overcrowded classrooms, poor lighting, non-functional toilets, flooded schoolyards, mosquitoes-, bat-, and pigeon-infested classrooms, hungry learners, lack of recognition from education officials, and inequality in the distribution of resources. “These conditions lead to low morale, fatigue, and diminished interest,” the statement added.
The Union also challenged the Minister’s claim as being incomplete and misleading. “It must be placed on record that Minister Parag in her assessment wasn’t being honest in her reporting and must never come over to this nation as an alarm bell, when the Minister is fully well aware of the reasons for the absences of the twelve teachers in that particular school,” the GTU said.
According to the Union, the breakdown of the teacher absences at the school in question includes:
Three teachers on Whitley Council leave (a benefit teachers enjoy every four years)
One teacher on maternity leave
One teacher on administrative leave
Two teachers on medical leave
One teacher on special leave
Three retired/rehired teachers awaiting contract renewals
One teacher on urgent private affairs leave
The GTU labelled the Minister’s comments as “unethical and distasteful,” adding that they reflect a lack of sincerity and a missed opportunity to address systemic issues. “Minister Parag is therefore urged to not start unnecessary conflicts but rather seek to address the real issues affecting our education sector,” the union stated.
To address these concerns, the GTU proposed several solutions, including:
Introducing roving or floating teachers to fill vacancies as needed
Fast-tracking benefits owed to teachers under existing agreements
Treating teachers with respect
Addressing poor lighting, infestations, overcrowded classrooms, non-functioning toilets, and inadequate teacher living quarters
Reestablishing Professional Committee Meetings between the Ministry of Education and the GTU
The Union concluded, “Our teachers and learners deserve better.”
