The teachers, many of whom had completed advanced diploma programmes at The Gambia College, said they had been left behind despite earlier taskforces successfully securing upgrades and arrears for other colleagues.
“We are not here to cause chaos,” said Abdou Jallow, a teacher from Lamin Daranka. “We only want our issues addressed. We have been patient, but the financial burden is unbearable.”
PS Mendy acknowledged the teachers’ concerns, confirming that while about 400 teachers had already received their upgrades, many remained without attestation. “It is true that some of you have not yet been cleared,” he admitted. “But I assure you, by the end of June, your matters will be resolved. Some of you will even receive your attestation by next week.”
The Permanent Secretary appealed for calm, urging teachers to accept arrears in instalments — a proposal the group rejected. He stressed that clearance from the college was essential before salaries could be upgraded, warning that any discrepancies could cause problems for individuals.
To demonstrate commitment, he identified four teachers to collect their attestation immediately.
Sheikh Tijan Gaye, an Islamic teacher, raised concerns that his grades had inexplicably dropped despite earlier increases.
Meanwhile, MRC-sponsored students claimed their attestations had been stuck at regional offices since October. On promotions, PS Mendy assured that teachers who completed in-service training at the college would be moved to Grade 7.5, with promotions reflected in their documents.
He reiterated that arrears from October 2025 to May 2026 would be settled, provided teachers were cleared by the college.
“Verification is key,” Mendy warned. “If you miss the government verification exercise, your July salaries will be stopped, and the ministry will not be able to intervene.”
Despite disagreements over instalment payments, the meeting ended on a note of cautious optimism. Teachers welcomed the ministry’s assurances but insisted on swift action.
“We have been teaching and fulfilling our duties,” Jallow said. “It is only fair that our salaries and attestations reflect our hard work.”
As the ministry vows to resolve the matter by June, the engagement marks a critical step in easing tensions between educators and policymakers — a consensus forged in dialogue rather than confrontation.
