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AS THE Barbados Union of Teachers ( BUT) marks its 50th anniversary, General Secretary Herbert Gittens offers a comprehensive look at his role, the union’s achievements, and the ongoing challenges and initiatives that define the BUT’s mission. His insights reveal the dedication and complexity involved in representing and advocating for educators across Barbados.
Gittens describes his daily responsibilities as a balancing act, given that he also serves as the Principal of Wesley Hall Junior School. “While I serve as General Secretary of the
BUT, I am also the Principal of the Wesley Hall Junior School. The officers of the union are all full-time teachers so this makes every day atypical and can depend very much on what the day conjures up.”
The BUT is proud of its achievements over the past 50 years of its existence. Reflecting on the union’s significant achievements over the past five decades, Gittens highlights several milestones. “The BUT has become an established and respectable trade union organisation on the Barbadian industrial relations landscape,” he explained. Key accomplishments include the acquisition of land for the Academia Estates, the establishment of the BUT headquarters, and the creation of the National Primary School Athletics Championships ( NAPSAC),
a premier event that showcases the union’s commitment to sports and youth development.
The union’s role extends beyond sports and education to financial support and health benefits for its members. Gittens noted, “The union played a major role in the establishment of the Barbados Teachers Cooperative Credit Union Ltd. This organisation has provided numerous teachers with an avenue to acquire loans to purchase land, obtain mortgages to build homes, and other financial needs.” Additionally, the BUT has set up a medical health plan and facilitated advanced training opportunities through scholarships and professional development programmes.
Currently, the BUT is actively engaged in several policy issues, particularly concerning terms and conditions of service for teachers. Gittens explained, “The union currently is in discussion with the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training (METVT) in the matter of term’s vacation leave. This provision exists in the General Orders of Barbados under General Order 5.1. The union believes that the term’s vacation leave should be reinstated to its original form.”
Navigating the challenges of his role, Gittens acknowledges the increased workload and the need for effective representation. “One of the major challenges faced relates to the workload. There are considerably more individual and school grievances, which require more attention than in the past. Given that the role is not full-time, you can find yourself swamped with numerous matters.” Despite these challenges, Gittens emphasised the importance of maintaining good working relations with stakeholders to resolve issues efficiently.
Effective communication and engagement with members are crucial for the BUT’s operations. Gittens outlines the strategies in place, “Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an even greater level of engagement with the onset of online meetings. This makes it much easier to convene meetings to discuss matters of concern or policy.” The union’s presence extends to social media, where it disseminates information and engages with its members regularly.
Looking ahead, Gittens and the BUT are focused on several initiatives aimed at improving the educational landscape in Barbados. “The union has a standing quarterly meeting with METVT where matters are discussed. Outside of that, the union is often invited to share its views on educational matters in the country.” The BUT continues to be a major voice in education, advocating for the professionalisation of the teaching service and the establishment of the Teaching Service Commission.
As the BUT celebrates 50 years, it remains committed to its mission of advocating for teachers and enhancing the quality of education in Barbados. Gittens’ leadership and the union’s unwavering dedication to its members highlight the BUT’s significant impact over the past 50 years and its vision for the future. (AF)
HERBERT GITTENS, General Secretary. (FP)
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