One would think that the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) and its more than 22,000 members are at odds with the Government over money owing to them.

Among the Caribbean countries, Jamaica's teachers are paid the lowest in salaries, yet the Jamaican teacher has to work under some real challenging circumstances and is still expected to produce the same, if not better results, when compared to those in public and private institutions with better facilities and resources. We seldom complain because we enjoy what we are doing and are forced to be creative considering our challenges.

Contractual agreement

More than six months ago, the JTA and the Government of Jamaica signed a contract that teachers are to be paid retroactive money owed as well as to be brought up to 80 per cent of the market by a seven per cent increase. This was agreed on, and the teachers were promised to be paid in three instalments.

However, things have taken the turn for the worse when the global economic crisis hit Jamaica. I believe that, unlike other people's opinion, teachers are well educated, intelligent and reasonable. Teachers do understand the challenge that the Government of Jamaica is faced with at this time and how we all need to brace ourselves for whatever else is to come.

Open disrespect

I am disturbed though that the Minister of Education Andrew Holness and Prime Minister Bruce Golding have openly disrespected teachers by the way they responded to our contractual agreement. I have long learnt that what one says is not much of a problem as how the thing is said. Please, honourable ministers, all the teachers ask is that you honour the agreement or if this can't be done, say it without the dictatorial tone and ask for our understanding. I think that would have left a better taste in our mouths.

I am, etc.,

Everton Tyndale

evat_78@hotmail.com

Mandeville, Manchester