The
Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has expressed its “profound dismay
and concern” about the current situation that led to the sit down strike of 700
teachers at the Catholic Education Secretariat (CES).
The
ministry further announced it has taken a decision to suspend payment of
subvention to the Catholic Education Secretariat effective 1 April, 2020 until
this issue is adequately addressed.
“We
strongly condemn the decision by the Catholic Education Secretariat for
systematically using the deductions from the salaries of the teachers for other
purposes without their prior approval. The Ministry totally frowns upon such
behaviour and under no circumstance can this action be justified,” a statement
from the ministry stated.
“It
is important to note that the Ministry subvents over hundred institutions and
all subventions are paid at the same time. It is therefore interesting that out
of all these institutions only the Catholic Education Secretariat under the
pretext of delay in payment of subvention would use the salaries of their
teachers for other purposes.”
“In
this regard, the Ministry wishes to inform the concerned teachers as well as
the general public that it will do everything possible for the affected
teachers to get their claims’ in the
soonest time possible.”
“All
are informed that this matter is currently being investigated and the facts
surrounding the issue will be established in due course and those responsible
for this mishap will face the consequences.”
“As
part of measures to address the ongoing problem, the Ministry has taken a
decision to suspend payment of subvention to the Catholic Education Secretariat
effective 1st April, 2020 until this issue is adequately addressed. Meanwhile,
the March subvention will be processed by the Gambia Teachers Union Cooperative
Credit Union GTUCCU) and paid into the appropriate accounts.”
“Whilst
we assure the affected teachers of Ministry’s resolve to refund them
adequately, we wish to appeal that they resume classes by Monday 16th March,
2020 to avoid further loss in contact hours.”
“We
look forward to your usual understanding.”
