First Vice President of T&TUTA Devanand Sinanan: Safety is top priority

The safety of teachers and students will be given top priority when the school term begins tomorrow. First Vice President of the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (T&TUTA) Devanand Sinanan said the union will not hesitate to act if conditions are unfavourable when school reopens. About 750 primary, secondary and Early Childhood Care Centres (ECCE) will reopen after the Christmas vacation.  

“We are keeping our fingers crossed.  We will get feedback when our teachers go out tomorrow. We are putting a high premium on the issue of health and safety. Safety is of top priority. We make no apologies for that. We would not hesitate to take whatever action is necessary for our students and teachers. We will get feedback from the principals and teachers.” 

Sinanan added “They (Ministry of Education) have given us the assurance they would take charge. They will be held accountable. We are hoping there will not be any disruptions, or weld have to make the necessary approaches and take whatever action as we see it.” 

Among the schools T&TUTA will be monitoring to see whether improvements were made include La Horquetta Government Primary and Malick Secondary Schools. “At La Horquetta, they had problems with bats and pigeons. The work was not done properly. Form Two and Three students at Malick have been sharing with Aranguez North Secondary. We have to see what can be done,” he said.