Discourteous Politics in Public Education in The Bahamas
The Bahamas Government Disrespectful to Bahamian Teachers. A slap in the face!
The Deputy Prime Minister in his dual role of Minister of Education announceed that the government has negotiated a partnership with the government of Ghana for the Bahamas to receive 300 Ghanaian teachers. This is a slap in the face to teachers across our nation.
The very fact that the Bahamian public in general and the Bahamas Union of Teachers in particular became aware of such an agreement via a social media post of a foreign diplomat speaks to the lack of consultation and fundamental disrespect the government continues to show our educators. Additionally, Bahamian teachers are still waiting to be hired and compensated for benefits owed to them and the government in this current budget has not adequately funded the Teacher Cadet Programme.
The government has executed an educational policy without consulting with strategic Bahamian stakeholders. Further, there is no clarity or communication on costs to the Bahamian people and no clear understanding of the parameters of the policy including teacher placement, assigment of subject matter or location.
The government has a duty and responsibility to consult and not dismiss important partners in our national educational discourse and development. “Progress” demands consulation, transparency but most of all respect.
Sunday 12 July, 2026
From Shanendon E. Cartwright
Deputy Leader of the Official Opposition in The Bahamas - Free National Movement (FNM)
