Dominica State College
Students at the Dominica State College (DSC) have faced three consecutive days without classes as lecturers continue their strike, demanding urgent reforms regarding salary, working conditions, and appointments.
In a statement released on Wednesday, faculty members expressed their grievances, highlighting several key areas of concern.
Graduate lecturers at DSC reportedly earn less than their counterparts at secondary schools, raising significant disparities in pay.
Moreover, there have been no adjustments made to salaries to account for inflation or to maintain a differential between tertiary and secondary educators.
The conditions within the college are also dire. Facilities for automobile and mechanical engineering remain in disarray, the campus has multiple leaking roofs, and bathrooms are described as unsanitary.
Lecturers on the lower campus have expressed discomfort over having to share washroom facilities with students, raising serious privacy concerns due to unlocked doors and unauthorized intrusions.
Another point of contention is the long-standing vacancy in the position of College President. The current Officer-in-Charge is now serving a third six-month term without a clearly defined role, prompting calls for a permanent appointment or an opening for applications. Many lecturers have also faced the indignity of serving for over 16 years without formal appointments.
Despite previous discussions and negotiated solutions with the board and unions, faculty members report that deadlines have been missed, and commitments remain unfulfilled.
“As lecturers and people of higher education, this situation is unacceptable,” the statement read. “The staff feel abandoned, and students are suffering as a result. It is time for decisive action to ensure that these long-standing issues are finally addressed.”
Students have expressed frustration and disappointment over the disruption of their education, calling for swift resolution to the strike.
As the impasse continues, many are left wondering when normalcy will return to the college and how it will impact their academic progression.
The situation at the Dominica State College reflects broader systemic issues in educational institutions and highlights the urgent need for attention to the welfare of both educators and students alike.
As this crisis unfolds, the future of academic life at DSC hangs in the balance, awaiting a response from the administration.
This reached Antigua? Well news travels fast. It is very frustrating to be a student there right now. We had class for the whole week and none of them never showed up…. I completely understand the lecturers’ concerns about salary and working conditions, but I wish there was a way to resolve this faster. We are stuck in limbo, and it feels like our education is being compromised. Some people actually like that so they can linger but Alas we need to go back to school
Sounds like an educational mess to me. In the meantime students, I would advise that you review past work and continue to study
This is sad, it mostly happens when the government doesn’t pay teachers.
Sorry that the students have to be in the middle of this especially those who are up to date with their payments.
See all islands have their challenges to contend with