Both the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Teachers’ Union have expressed optimism of a workable outcome following their first day of Court-ordered mediation, which is aimed at seeking an end to the ongoing strike action by teachers, while addressing their concerns.

At the start of the talks today, the Guyana Teachers’ Union submitted its proposal, which included the grounds for the resumption of duty by teachers who have been on strike for the past four weeks.

GTU Attorney, Darren Wade, who accompanied the union’s President, other union officials to the meeting, told reporters that the GTU is hopeful and optimistic with the mediation.

“The union made its proposals, and it is for the Attorney for the State to consult with the authorities, and return to us,” Wade told reporters. 

He declined to disclose the details of the proposal, but stated that the union is optimistic of a positive outcome.

“I am very optimistic, I know Mr Ramdhani, the King’s Counsel, he has the capacity to speak to those in authority to come at a resolution,” Wade, however, added. 

The state’s Attorney in the talks, Darshram Ramdhani, said the mediation process is advancing well so far. He is representing the Attorney General in the talks. The AG is on travel duty abroad.  

“We have had, I believe, a fruitful session. It is good that the union is ready now to engage the Government again. So, we are hoping that those talks can resume,” the King Counsel said while noting that the mediators have been doing “a good job” thus far. 

He said the Government’s priority is getting the teachers back in the classroom.

“The government’s main priority is to ensure that the teachers return to the school, that’s where they belong, and our nation’s children should be taught,” he said. 

He said the government is prepared to “discuss, engage and ensure that the status quo returns to normalcy soon.”

Like Wade, he emphasized the importance of having the mediation process take its course. 

Meanwhile, Senior Counsel Robin Stoby – one of the two mediators – upon exiting the meeting room, told reporters in a brief comment “we are still at it.” 

The other mediator, Senior Counsel Edward Luckhoo, in a similar fashion, said he was optimistic. 

“I am always optimistic,” Senior Counsel Luckhoo said while noting that the party had made “progress.”

High Court Judge, Sandil Kissoon initiated the mediation process on Thursday with the hope of getting the parties to find common ground to bring an end to the nationwide strike. 

The strike action is ongoing even as the mediation process has started.

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