The President of the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers (A&BUT), Casroy Charles, has publicly called out the Director of Education over the deteriorating condition of a secondary school that counts the Director among its most notable alumni — warning that the union's patience with the Ministry of Education is wearing thin.
The pointed remarks came as the A&BUT marked a significant milestone, celebrating 100 years of operation. Rather than confining the occasion to ceremony, Charles used the platform to place the state of the unnamed school squarely in the public eye, drawing a pointed connection between the Director's personal ties to the institution and what the union views as a failure to address its decline.
Charles did not shy away from forecasting tension ahead. "Good conflict will arise," he warned, signalling that the union is prepared to take a more combative stance with the Ministry if conditions do not improve.
The centenary anniversary, while a moment of reflection and pride for the union, has also served as a rallying point. Charles framed the occasion not merely as a celebration of longevity, but as a reaffirmation of the union's commitment to advocating for teachers and the broader educational environment in which they work.
The A&BUT's willingness to publicly pressure senior education officials marks a notable escalation in tone, and suggests that labour relations between the union and the Ministry of Education could become increasingly strained in the period ahead.
