Philipsburg:--- Minister of Education, Youth Affairs and Culture Rhoda Arrindell quoted several articles of the law and the Bible on Friday as she responded to Parliament regarding the implementation of the No Work, No Pay Policy.Minister Arrindell said on October 10th 2010 she swore to uphold the Constitution of St. Maarten and that she would champion the interests of St. Maarten to the best of her ability as such article 18 of the same constitution states that "It shall be the constant concern of the government to focus on the protection of children and young people and to promote their right to education, welfare, cultural development, and leisure activities." Furthermore, the Minister said the ILO recommendation concerning the status of teachers, in the section under Rights of Teachers, Art. 84 states that "Appropriate joint machinery should be set up to deal with the settlement of disputes between the teachers and their employers arising out of terms and conditions of employment. If the means and procedures established for these purposes should be exhausted or if there should be a breakdown in negotiations between the parties, teachers organizations should have the right to take such other steps as are normally open to other organizations in the defence of their legitimate interests."
Minister Arrindell also gave Parliament a summary of events leading up to the unions pulling out the teachers from their classrooms. The Minister in response to questions posed by Member of Parliament William Marlin about what she told parents during one of her compulsory education information sessions said the statements were news to her and she would leave them as hear-say.Addressing the two days off that will be granted to teachers to attend the ASCD Conference she said that it has been a practice for the last 16 years and that the ordinance of the FBE education requires teachers upgrade their skills. The Minister said that during these two day conference, an attendance list will be compiled and sent to the various school boards to determine how they wish to apply the no work, no pay policy for those teachers who did not attend based on article 23 of LMA.
Member of Parliament Louie Laveist asked the Minister if she believed in the fundamental rights on the freedom of expression to which she responded affirmatively but added that she firmly believes in the rights of the children and that the teachers rights do not supersede the rights of children.Parliament has adjourned this meeting which will continue on Monday.
The audio of the parliamentary procedures on the no work, no pay policy held on Friday is posted below.
