MARIGOT-Students of the three Colleges including the Lycee were not able to attend their regular classes yesterday after their teachers decided to resume their strike actions. The teachers are demanding better working conditions. The action taken by at least 100 teachers is linked to the strike actions in Guadeloupe. It was initiated by the teachers at the Lycee early yesterday morning. According to teachers their unions did not receive any answers to their demands since their one day action on January 29.
One teacher at the school said the action which began yesterday is not a one day action but no decision has been taken as to how long the protest would continue.
The teacher said they need more autonomy on St. Martin for them to function adequately.
Some of the concerns of the teachers are the safety and security at schools, the shortage of qualified teachers. A meeting is set for February 15 with the Recteur's representative Robert Romney.
Teachers on St. Martin are also supporting the actions that are taken in Guadeloupe since the teachers here are faced with the same predicaments relating to cost of living.
Former first vice president Marthe Ogoundele Tessi a teacher of the Lycee said the population need to get involved in the movement since everyone is suffering to some extent.
In the meantime the Citizens Movement of St. Martin has also joined in solidarity with the teachers as have EDF, France Telecom, and representatives from Collectivity staff. A peaceful march is planned for later this week in which primary schools are also expected to take part.
