DLP denies role in BUT sick-out

The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has condemned as “deeply irresponsible” the suggestion by Minister of Educational Transformation Senator Chad Blackman, that the two-day sickout by the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) was politically motivated.

In a strongly worded statement, the DLP categorically denied any connection to the BUT’s decision to take action over the issue of term leave and said the minister’s suggestion was not only baseless but an attempt “to shift public focus away from the substantive issues plaguing our education system.”

Felicia Dujon, the party’s spokesperson on education, who will face Blackman in a by-election in St James North next month, said that neither she nor the DLP had any role in the ongoing industrial matter. But she reaffirmed her party’s unwavering commitment to advocating for quality education and the rights of teachers, stating “We are not, and have never been, motivated by political opportunism.”

The DLP expressed “grave concern” over the ministry’s handling of the teachers’ sick-out, accusing officials of abandoning their duty of care to students.

“Despite being fully aware that teachers would be absent, the ministry—through its chief executive officer—chose a ‘wait and see’ approach and failed to implement a contingency plan. Consequently, children and a limited number of teachers were left on school compounds with inadequate supervision, placing student safety at risk,” the DLP statement read.

Calling the response a “gross neglect of duty,” the opposition party argued it amounted to a breach of statutory obligations under the Education Act Cap. 41, Part IV, Section 38, which requires the ministry to ensure the welfare and supervision of pupils during school hours.

“The insensitivity displayed towards both teachers and children underscores a troubling disregard for public responsibility,” the party stated.

It reaffirmed its support for the union’s call for term leave, saying the policy is essential for safeguarding teachers’ mental health, reducing burnout, and encouraging professional development—factors directly linked to improved learning outcomes.

“The DLP stands firmly in support of the concept of term leave for teachers [since it contributes] to a higher standard of education for our children,” the statement noted.

The party further condemned the minister’s remarks as “a dismissive attitude toward the teaching profession” and demanded an immediate public retraction and apology.

“The Democratic Labour Party therefore calls on the minister to immediately retract his unfounded statement and issue a formal public apology to the teachers of Barbados. Anything less would signal continued disrespect for the profession and disregard for the principles of integrity, respect, and accountability that must guide our national governance.” (PR/SZB)