The Hon. Jamale Pringle is condemning Prime Minister Browne’s recent disparagement of local educators as “callous and uncaring,” proving that he has neither empathy for the affected teachers nor respect for their Union.

In response to the industrial action taken by the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers (ABUT) since last Friday, May 2, a visibly furious PM Browne lashed out at the teachers, with uncomplimentary remarks, questioning their commitment to their students and profession.

The Union’s action – reportedly taken after having given notice – stemmed from the Browne Administration’s failure to honour promises to compensate several classes of teachers, with those not affected choosing to “sit in” in solidarity.

The worst part of the prime minister’s diatribe, says MP Pringle, was his “So what?” – his response to his Administration’s admitted failure to pay. “This level of insensitivity should not be directed at the teachers – or to any public-sector worker,” says the Opposition Leader.

“Considering the length of time they have been waiting; the level of their pay; and the challenging conditions many of them are working under, that is not the tone the prime minister should be using. He should have apologized then for the delay and he should be apologizing now for his rudeness.”

Pringle says the United Progressive Party considers the situation unfortunate, especially as it is preventing contact time with students in the critical third term. However the Party recognizes the action as the Union’s wake-up call to the authorities, and it hopes that payment to all affected members will be satisfied in the shortest time.