Salary cut for teachers who stay home

The decision, Manning said, was made after discussions with Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) and other bodies on how to tackle the issue of delinquent teachers at both the primary and secondary schools, were held.

The implementation of a reward and punishment system for teachers was revealed when Manning toured various schools across the country Friday. Those schools underwent renovations during the two-month vacation.

During her first stop at San Fernando Girls’ Anglican School on Ruth Avenue, San Fernando, Manning told the media: "We have met with TTUTA and other bodies and we have decided that those teachers who continue to stay away from school will have deductions made to their salaries and those teachers who make valuable contributions at school, will receive financial awards." Manning declined to divulge the details of the Education Ministry’s new plan of action. The minister stated that more about the plan would be revealed soon at another press conference.

Manning said that the intended action against delinquent teachers "will not be punitive, but supportive."

The minister also revealed that eight schools would not be ready for tomorrow’s scheduled reopening of the new school term.

Those schools require another week for complete renovations.