Denise Gardiner and Casroy Charles
Tensions are rising within the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers (ABUT) as its President, Casroy Charles, faces accusations of overstepping his authority.
The dispute involves the union’s outgoing Treasurer, Denise Gardiner, and dates back to a letter Charles sent to her on May 19, 2025.
In this correspondence, he claimed that her election three years prior was invalid, stating that she should “effectively no longer hold the office of Treasurer.”
Despite this declaration, Charles has requested that Gardiner continue to sign financial documents until the change in signatories is officially recognized.
In response, Gardiner wrote back on May 21, seeking clarification on the legal basis for Charles’s claims. She pointed out that a legal opinion is merely an opinion and not a binding court decision, emphasizing that any such action should have the endorsement of the Executive Committee rather than a unilateral decision by the President.
Gardiner pressed for transparency by requesting answers to specific questions, including whether the Executive Committee authorized Charles to seek legal advice regarding her election, the details of any relevant motion, and if a formal vote had been conducted for her removal.
She invoked her constitutional right to access these records, asserting that without them, it would appear that Charles acted independently and beyond his designated powers.
According to Gardiner, the role of the President, as defined in Section 7A of the ABUT Constitution, is primarily to preside over meetings, call special sessions, and deliver the State of the Union Address at annual conferences. She reiterated that decision-making authority lies with the Executive Committee, which is tasked with representing the union’s best interests.
Gardiner is puzzled by Charles’s actions, particularly as her term as Treasurer is ending and a new officer will soon be appointed.
She suspects that her recent criticism of Charles’s meeting with the opposition UPP, which she feels threatens the union’s impartiality, may have influenced his decision to target her.
This ya EMBARASSING bad for the President of the A&BUT, who has now brought his esteemed organization into disrepute and public odium, all cause he trying to use the A&BUT to play his UPP politics. Shame on you Sir.
You disappointed in a lie? You very gullible
All this is not necessary, call a special General meeting and we will vote her out or vote her to stay.
Quite simple !
Unions meet with both side of the political divide all the time , what exactly is the problem?
Ammmm so no mention of her non payment of dues? For years? And the work done to encourage her to pay? No mention of the legal advice taken by the EXECUTIVE? and I hope tbe president sues e everybody involved in this article unless them.can prove this alleged meeting with upp. Bout she criticized. She go a meeting?
Truth always come out so let the legal system do it’s jobc and I pray spite really wasn’t at play here because that’s a really bad look.
Why Am I NOT SURPRISED!!!!
………When God is in THE VESSEL …… Smile At The STORM ….. (? in a Teacup)
………. May God’s WILL BE DONE!!! Peace! 🌻😇🙏🏿💞
this is an organization that is much respected. don’t mix colours into it please
Well well. Low blow by Mr. Charles. Man trying to protect his dignity and be like Gaston. Remove any stumbling block in the way
As a concerned teacher, I find this situation within the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers quite troubling. It’s crucial for our union to operate transparently and collaboratively, especially when it comes to leadership roles. The allegations against President Casroy Charles is shocking. I am not sure if I can even digest it.
Denise Gardiner’s longer-term tenure as Treasurer should not be dismissed lightly. It’s important for us to focus on unity and clarity in our decision-making processes to ensure that the interests of all teachers are protected. We should strive for a resolution that reinforces trust and teamwork within our union. Let’s hope for an open dialogue that prioritizes the well-being of our members and the future of our educational community. These dirty laundry washings cannot continue to be washed in public this way.
At the end of the day, this hurts the credibility of the union. We need leadership that builds trust, not drama.
Since when the teaching profession becomes so scandalous? Oh we know when. Since Mr Charles the UPPIte took over the helm.
controlled opposition. I heard this lady likes to carry news back to the other side.