PARAMARIBO — The consultation that the government held on Monday with the Federation of Teachers’ Organizations in Suriname, the Association of Teachers, the Alliance for Teachers in Suriname and the Syndicate for Educators in Suriname was constructive, according to Minister Marinus Bee of the Interior. The president’s office discussed, among other things, the position of teachers.
Bee: “We are satisfied. We have had some sore points that we will solve together. The president has ordered the formation of a working group. The Interior will coordinate the matter, together with the Ministry of Education and with the involvement of the unions, to find a solution.” The aim is for the trade unions to solve the problems together with the government and maintain peace on the field.
Afterwards, President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons told the Suriname Communications Service that the government and the unions had good discussions. The parties discussed the various issues facing the unions and it was decided that some matters should be worked out more quickly. The head of state announced that the unions will meet again on Tuesday (today) with Minister Dirk Currie of Education, Science and Culture.
The minister, who underlined the importance of the government and the unions continuing to talk to each other, indicated that the agreement signed in June will be discussed on Tuesday. It will be examined which points are still open and what can be checked off.
Minister Adelien Wijnerman of Finance and Planning was also present at the meeting on Monday. According to the CDS, “some experts” from the President’s Office as well as from the three ministries also participated in the consultation.
