Teachers OS Uitkijk have been reinstated

The teachers from OS Uitkijk who faced disciplinary action have reportedly been reinstated.

Wilgo Valies, chairman of the Alliance for Teachers in Suriname (ALS), on Monday explained that the teachers from that school had been intimidated by officials from the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture and that the situation could have escalated. The issue was discussed during the negotiations with the government and it was decided that the teachers would be allowed to return and that they would not face any disciplinary action. Valies explained that parties still have not reached an agreement regarding the issue of the principal. Valies pointed out that State Advisor Jules Wijdenbosch had made it clear at the negotiations that the basya (tyrant) culture was not acceptable and that teachers must be treated with respect. The teachers at the public elementary school OS Uitkijk did not agree with the fact that Education Minister Peneux had appointed an outsider as principal. They explained that they wanted the vice principal to become their principal. When another person was given the position, the decision to go on strike was made. Minister Peneux responded by instructing the teachers to get back to work. The teachers refused to comply and were given a letter, instructing them to prepare their defense for an internal hearing. It was recently decided that the teachers would be reinstated.