Dr Indira Rampersad, Head of the West Indies Group of University Teachers, joins us to examine the recent disruption across schools in Trinidad and Tobago following low teacher turnout and early dismissals. The discussion centres on the delayed implementation of approved salary increases and backpay, the emergence of what has been described as a “silent protest”, and the resulting impact on students, parents, and school operations.
Dr Rampersad offers an academic labour perspective on informal workforce responses, the importance of structured communication between unions and the State, governance safeguards ahead of SEA and CXC examinations, and the immediate and long-term reforms needed to prevent recurring disruptions within the education system.