Councillor Orlando Kerr delved into his journey from being the Tobago Representative for the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) to his current role as Assistant Secretary for the Division of Education, Research, and Technology. This transition has placed Kerr at the helm of HR matters within the division, marking a significant shift from advocating for teachers’ rights to managing educational policies.
Kerr addressed the challenges and perceptions accompanying his new position, particularly regarding his past affiliations with TTUTA. “The reality is that even now, I insist on a safe, secure environment for teachers,” Kerr emphasized. “All the issues I advocated for in TTUTA remain priorities. The difference now is that I am the employer, not the union.”
During his tenure with TTUTA, Kerr actively campaigned for the regularization of contract teachers, a cause he has continued to champion as Assistant Secretary. “We have made significant strides in addressing this issue,” Kerr reported. “Our task force is nearing completion of the establishment process at schools like Speyside, aiming to eliminate contract positions across Tobago.”
However, Kerr acknowledged that progress has met resistance from the Teaching Service Commission, prompting ongoing discussions to expedite reforms.
Discussing the plight of contract teachers, Kerr outlined their disadvantages, including lack of job security, limited opportunities for advancement or promotion, and financial restrictions such as difficulty obtaining mortgages. He clarified that contract teachers will not receive upcoming arrears due to their employment status outside the official system.
Despite these challenges, Kerr expressed understanding for the historical necessity of contract teachers, given bureaucratic delays in teacher appointments by the Service Commissions.
Arianna Scipio, reporting for Tobago Updates Television News, captured Kerr’s commitment to navigating the complexities of educational governance while advocating for equitable treatment of Tobago’s educators.
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