Teachers’ Union urges caution over reopening schools after severe weather 

By Admin. Updated 10:42 p.m., Tuesday, October 6, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union (SVGTU) is urging the authorities to carefully assess conditions across the country before deciding whether schools should reopen on Wednesday, October 7, following widespread flooding, landslides and disruptions caused by Monday’s adverse weather.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the union said it was deeply saddened by the impact the weather had on families and communities, while expressing gratitude that no lives were lost.

The SVGTU also commended the efforts of the relevant agencies working to restore normalcy and essential services in affected areas.

However, the union said several critical issues must be addressed before students and teachers can safely return to the classroom.

Among its primary concerns is the disruption to the pipe-borne water supply. According to the union, many schools and homes remain without reliable access to water, making it difficult to maintain proper sanitation and hygiene within educational institutions.

The union also warned that landslides remain a serious threat despite the passage of the heavy rains. It noted that saturated hillsides could continue to pose dangers for students, teachers and parents, particularly those travelling through rural communities or walking to school.

In addition, the SVGTU said the continued instability of the ground means the risk to life and property remains high.

“The safety of our students, teachers, and ancillary staff must remain paramount,” the union said. “We cannot in good conscience encourage our members and our nation’s children to traverse dangerous terrain or to occupy facilities that are not hygienically safe.”

The union is calling on the Ministry of Education, the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) and other relevant authorities to conduct comprehensive assessments of school facilities and access roads before reopening schools. It also urged that a reliable supply of safe drinking water be restored to affected communities and schools.

The SVGTU said it remains ready to work with the Ministry of Education to support a safe return to face-to-face teaching once conditions allow.

The statement was signed by SVGTU President Fiona Charles-Williams.

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