Peneux says school hours will not be extended

“The school hours will not be extended,” said Education, Science and Culture Minister Robert Peneux in response to the claims of the Teachers’ Association (BvL) and the Alliance of Teachers in Suriname (ALS). The BvL and the ALS on Wednesday told union members that the ministry plans on letting teachers work from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. The minister made it clear that such a decision was never made. A press release from the National Information Institute (NII) indicates that Minister Peneux deems the claims regrettable. Minister Peneux also deems it regrettable that the chairman of both unions failed to gather information on the matter.

The minister explained that such a measure would first have to be discussed with several structures before he can decide to implement or cancel it. He urges the nation not to believe the rumors but to wait for official reports on the matter. The minister made it clear that his ministry is currently focusing on a smooth start of the new school year. The union chairman on Wednesday also claimed that teachers will be transferred to other schools. Minister Peneux made it clear that the ministry as employer is in charge transfer policy and not the union. The ministry has reportedly decided to transfer teachers who live in certain districts closer to home to make things more efficient. This matter has also been discussed in Parliament. The educators are being urged to comply with the rules of the ministry and to wait for the official announcements.