Teachers vote tomorrow

TEACHERS go to the polls tomorrow to elect a new TTUTA executive for the next three-year term. The three candidates vying for the top post of president are Clyde Permell of The New TTUTA (TNT), Wendy Augustus of Team A Plus and Amral Hosein of the Agenda for Transformation. All three said yesterday that they were extremely confident of their chances at getting the teachers’ votes. Augustus and Permell were busy on the campaign trail, however, and Newsday was unable to speak with them.

Augustus’ manager Ian Belgrave said their campaign was based on getting the union “back on track, as it has been going in a completely different direction and not responding to the needs of teachers.” Belgrave said teachers are aware that Augustus understood, loved and respected teachers and their profession, and her “ability as a leader” will win her the post. Augustus has been a teacher for the last 24 years, before being suspended from the Arima Senior Comprehensive School. Speaking on behalf of Permell, Stedman Hazell said Permell’s “experience and commitment” would give him the edge in the elections. Hazell said Permell’s team has been, “very active in the work of the union and his chances are very good.” Permell was previously a president of the union.

Hosein told Newsday he felt confident of his chances and said he had a clear roadmap where he wanted to take TTUTA over the next three years. He said he would focus on good management. Hosein has also been a teacher for the last 24 years and this is his third attempt at the presidency. Outgoing president Trevor Oliver, who is debarred from seeking re-election because he has served two consecutive terms, said there was room for improvement to further develop teachers as a good foundation had already been set. Oliver will resume his job as principal at the Tunapuna Boys’ Government School. A total of 10,700 teachers are registered to vote when the 79 polling stations, six of which are in Tobago, are opened at 7 am. Voting will close at 6 pm.