Most secondary schools in Georgetown, among them Bishops’, Tutorial and St Joseph High Schools as well as St George’s Secondary and Nursery, were closed and neither teachers nor students were seen on their premises.

But some other schools on East Coast and East Bank Demerara had classes as usual while teachers in the city appeared to be taking protest action.

Providence Primary and Covent Garden Secondary on East Bank Demerara and Annandale Secondary, on East Coast Demerara, taught children.

Headteacher of Providence, Mr. Alan Ramlall did not agree with taking away teachers’ service from pupils at this time.

He said there are candidates preparing to write the Secondary Schools Entrance Examination (SSEE) next month and others who are writing Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and more tests and the teachers have their interest at heart.

Ramlall said the decision to work yesterday was taken by his staff individually although it is their democratic right to participate in the industrial action.

He declared that the Government is “using delaying tactics” but said teachers, because of past experience, are afraid to heed the GTU call.

According to him, on the last occasion, teachers lost money and nothing has been done by the Union.

At Annandale, normal school activities took place but the attendance of both teachers and students was less than was expected.

Most of the schools in West Demerara, Region Three operated yesterday.

Meanwhile, in a press statement, Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary Hydar Ally attacked GTU.

“We believe that, in taking industrial action, the Union is being unreasonable and irresponsible. The Ministry stands ready to continue discussions on all issues that relate to the well-being of its teachers,” he stated.

Ally claimed the Ministry agreed to arbitration, on December 18, 2002, but the union failed to attend that meeting.

About increased emoluments for unqualified teachers, Ally said they have since been receiving salaries much above what is offered in the Public Service.

The Ministry has already budgeted for Whitley Council leave allowances and will make every effort to begin payment in 2003, the statement said.

It added that other matters raised are currently being dealt with by the Government.

“The Ministry, therefore, calls on all teachers not to allow themselves to be misled into action that is likely to jeopardise their interest and those of their charges.”

Meanwhile, at a Press Briefing yesterday afternoon, the GTU stated that they will be continuing with the protest action as planned for the remaining three days.