In Brief
- Ongoing Advocacy: The Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) has reaffirmed its commitment to fighting for educators as they face ‘immediate and significant challenges,’ including outstanding back pay.
- Union Support: TTUTA President Crystal Asche assured members that the union will continuously support, guide, and represent them throughout the 2026/2027 academic year.
- A Call for Respect: Asche urged teachers to ‘know your worth,’ while calling on the nation to properly recognise the invaluable daily contributions of education professionals.
By Alicia Chamely
The Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) has reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the nation’s educators, as it extends its well wishes at the start of the new academic year.
In a press release on Sunday evening, TTUTA President Crystal Asche acknowledged that educators were starting the academic year with “immediate and significant challenges,” within the education system.
Considering the hurdles faced by teachers, including outstanding back pay and reduced support services, Asche reassured TTUTA’s membership that the association would continue to advocate for and stand with them in overcoming current and future issues.
In the release, Asche stated, “I want to assure every member of the TTUTA family: ‘Your Association will be there, walking with you.’”
“TTUTA will continue to support, guide, represent and advocate for you as we navigate the challenges ahead,” he assured.
Imploring teachers to “know your worth,” Asche called on the nation to “recognise and appreciate the invaluable contribution of teachers.”
Asche stated, “Here in Trinidad and Tobago, we must never underestimate the power of education to transform lives, strengthen communities and build a better nation. Let us therefore recommit ourselves to education, our children, our profession and our nation.”
Extending TTUTA’s well wishes for the start of the 2026/2027 academic year, Asche stated, “To our principals, teachers and other education professionals, I salute you for the commitment, dedication and professionalism you continue to demonstrate daily in the service of education.”
Asche encouraged students to approach the new year with “enthusiasm, discipline, curiosity and a determination to do your very best.”
Addressing parents, guardians and ancillary staff, he extended TTUTA’s appreciation for their ongoing support.
Asche stated, “On behalf of the National Executive of TTUTA, I wish all educators, students, other school personnel, parents and the wider educational community a safe, productive and successful 2026/2027 academic year.”
“Welcome back to school. Let us stand together, work together and continue building the Trinidad and Tobago we all deserve,” he concluded.
My advice to you is stop been antagonistic towards the Ministers and the Government. Outstanding matters concerning education and the educators can be discussed formally by close door meetings and in writing to the MOE. Not holding news conferences and protesting. Doing this will only aggravate the employer and to the detriment of the teachers who you represent.