TTUTA calls book grant delays unacceptable

The distribution of book grants only began shortly before schools were due to reopen, prompting the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association to warn that families were facing avoidable pressure.

TTUTA president Crystal Ashe also objected to school supervisors being tasked with collecting and distributing the cheques. He said that responsibility did not fall within their duties under the Education Act. Principals, teachers and other school personnel reported for duty ahead of the September 7 reopening, while TTUTA officers visited schools to assess conditions.

Ashe said the Ministry of Education needed to address several long-standing problems before the 2026-2027 academic year began. He pointed to the late start of the Vacation Repair Programme, much of which only began in August, leaving schools little time to complete work.

The union also criticized the non-renewal of contracts for school social workers, guidance counsellors and business operations assistants. It cited furniture shortages and renewed its demand for salary arrears owed to Teaching Service members for 2020 to 2023. Ashe also called for millions owed to maxi-taxi concessionaires to be paid under their contracts.

“The reopening of schools should be about more than simply opening the school gates,” Ashe said. He called for schools to be properly staffed, adequately resourced, safe and ready for teaching and learning. TTUTA said it was prepared to work with the ministry, but demanded action, accountability and urgency. Attempts to reach Education Minister Michael Dowlath for comment were unsuccessful.

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The reopening of schools should be about more than simply opening the school gates.