The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union (SVGTU) has issued a comprehensive reminder to educators across the nation regarding strict adherence to civil service regulations, administrative protocols, and professional workplace conduct.
Speaking during the union’s weekly media broadcast, First Vice President Oswald “Robbie” Robinson detailed key public service requirements that govern communication, leave, attire, and administrative accountability.
Robinson emphasized that all formal correspondence intended for the Ministry of Education or external bodies must be routed through school management and signed by the principal. He cautioned principals against pre-signing generic letterheads, warning that improper use of official signatures can compromise school governance.
Under Civil Service Orders, public school teachers planning to travel abroad must obtain formal permission through their principals prior to departure. Robinson warned that departing the state without authorization for more than ten consecutive working days constitutes job abandonment, which can result in severe disciplinary charges and the complete forfeiture of accrued pension benefits.
Additionally, union guidelines specify that teachers absent due to illness for more than two consecutive working days are required to present an official medical certificate upon their return.
Addressing workplace attire, the union highlighted Civil Service Order guidelines requiring a “sober cut”—or modest, professional dress—on school grounds. Educators were instructed to refrain from wearing sleeveless attire or casual slippers, unless specific foot injuries or medical conditions are documented by a healthcare professional.
Teachers were also advised to avoid excessive accessories, such as clattering jewelry or chewing gum during instruction, as these create unnecessary distractions for students and impede clear communication.
The SVGTU executive called for strict punctuality and exactness in record-keeping. Teachers were directed to log their actual arrival and departure times on official sign-in logs rather than entering inaccurate timestamps.
Secondary school teachers were specifically reminded that they are required to be present on school grounds throughout official working hours, regardless of whether they have a teaching period scheduled in the morning. Furthermore, educators were urged to submit schemes of work, monthly returns, defect sheets, and accurate attendance registers on time to ensure smooth institutional planning and resource allocation across the Ministry of Education.
