EDUCATION MINISTER REACTS TO ULTIMATUM FROM A&BUT; MINISTRY CONVENES MEETING FOR MONDAY

Education Minister Hon. Daryll Matthew is hopeful for fruitful talks with the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers on Monday in an effort to reach a resolution on the vexed issue of school security. Director of Education, Clare Browne wrote to president of the union Casroy Charles Jr on Sunday, requesting a meeting for 1pm on Monday to discuss the matter. The union had written to the Government last Friday, with a deadline of Monday, October 3 to have 24-hour security in all public schools or face industrial action by Tuesday, October 4.

Minister Matthew insists the costs are associated with this are prohibitive and says while the government will do all it can to address the situation, it is also the collective responsibility of the entire society to ensure schools are safe.

He is calling on residents in communities nationwide to also remain vigilant, and to say something if they see something.