Education Minister Denies Top Administrational Move was Due to Latest Protest

Education Minister Daryll Matthew is squashing any notion that the recent rearranging of Permanent Secretaries within his ministry had anything to do with the recent industrial action taken by teachers.

In speaking on the matter on state media, Minister Matthew clarified that it is a norm for PS’s to be relocated.

“I know permanent secretaries and senior civil servants shifted around from time to time. It has happened in the past. I think about a year ago or so, there were changes made to the public service and so I don’t want it to come across as if this is some sort of punishment to any individual but there are times where a change of environment is good.”

“I know the focus may very well be on the former PS at the Ministry of Education, with whom I’ve always maintained a good relationship. I can’t think of any instance where I have felt as if the PS is not acting in accordance with the law and her duties and in support of the policies of the government and so the mindset that this may be some sort of punishment meted out to her is totally incorrect. But I do look forward to working with the new PS. As I say, I’ll work with anyone,” Matthew said.

Last week, former Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health, Mrs. Ena Dalso-Henry, has been appointed as the new Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education, succeeding Mrs. Rosa Greenaway, who has been reassigned to the Ministry of Social Transformation.

The move came a day after the week-long protest by teachers came to an end.

The recent industrial action was sparked by concerns over outstanding allowances, which led the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers (ABUT) to instruct its members to refrain from actual teaching from May 2 to May 12.

During this period, teachers engaged in a “work to rule,” attending schools but not conducting any lessons.