The Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers (ABUT) has officially held its 100th anniversary celebrations on Friday, marking a century of advocacy, industrial action, and professional representation for educators across the country.

ABUT President Casroy Charles reflected on the union’s origins and its sustained relevance within Antigua and Barbuda’s labour landscape.

“Our nation, as well as the Caribbean’s history, has shown that asserting and maintaining the prominence of a workers’ organisation within Caribbean industrial and employment relations is no easy feat,” Charles said. “The majority, if not all the blessings or benefits every employee experiences and continues to experience are as a result of strident trade union advocacy.”

Governor General Sir Rodney Williams formally rang in the centenary year as other attendees included Minister of Education Daryll Matthews, Director of Education Clare Brown, Labour Commissioner Eltonia David, and Dr. Camille Samuel, Campus Registrar of the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus.

Deputy General Secretary Rochelle Peters reflected on the organization’s historical upbringing from 1926 when it was founded under the name Antigua Union of Teachers by Thomas Noel Kernan, then principal of the St. John’s Boys’ School, and Mary Elizabeth Pigott, principal of the St. John’s Girls’ School.

The union began primarily as a professional interest group, with teachers meeting in weekly Saturday conferences for training and discussion.

The organisation underwent significant transformation in the 1950s, broadening its membership to include all teachers after early criticism that it favoured social elites.

It was officially registered as a civil service union in 1972, and the name was amended in 1981 to reflect the identity of the newly independent nation.

Peters reflected the 1977 to 1979 teacher strike as one of the most defining periods in the union’s history.

“Peaceful demonstrations and marches in St. John’s were violently dispersed by police and several educators were subjected to beatings, arrests, and intimidation,” Peters remarked.

Teachers during that period included Harol Lovell, Cornel Hughes, and Dr Radcliffe Robbins who were among those assaulted and detained during the period.

“The sacrifices made during this period stand as a powerful reminder that many of the rights, protections, and professional respect teachers enjoy today were secured through extraordinary courage and resilience,” she said.

Among the industrial milestones Peters highlighted was the union’s first collective bargaining agreement with the government in 1987, which resulted in the doubling of teachers’ salaries over three years.

Further agreements followed in 1994, 1995, 2000, 2013, and 2023, with the most recent salary reclassification secured in 2024.

The union today represents more than 1,200 members, including educators at several private institutions such as St. Joseph’s Academy, Crescent King High School, St. John’s Catholic Primary, and most recently, Postmillennial Academy.

Sir Rodney, who served two terms as Minister of Education, said the centenary represents a significant achievement for the profession.

“Reaching 100 years of service is a remarkable milestone and speaks to the enduring commitment of the teaching profession to the development of our nation,” he said. “A well-functioning union contributes not only to the welfare of teachers, but also to the stability and progress of our education system as a whole.”

General Secretary Sharon Kelsick unveiled the union’s 100th anniversary logo, designed by educator Tamara Edwards, who won a competition open to members.

Edwards described the design as one that “commemorates 100 years of educational service,” with a torch at its centre representing knowledge and enlightenment, a laurel wreath symbolising collective progress, and a colour palette of deep blue, gold, and red representing trust, excellence, and resilience respectively.

Kelsick outlined a series of commemorative activities planned for the year, including a Barbuda Day trip scheduled for April 9 during the Easter break, and a centenary gala tentatively scheduled for December 6, which will be separate from the union’s annual May gala, to honour past executive members and long-serving corporate partners.

Charles, reflecting on the union’s continued purpose, told those gathered that 100 years of opposition had not diminished ABUT’s resolve.

“One hundred years of service in the midst of strident opposition and constant betrayal is yet to quell the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers’ desire to continue to protect the rights of teachers, advocate for improved working conditions, actively engage in wage revisions, as well as communicate with management in one voice,” he said.