Speaking recently on The PDM Hour Broadcast on Wednesday, October 12th, People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) Candidate for the upcoming October 24th General Elections, and Former Head of the Montserrat Civil Service, Mrs. Nyota Mulcare, has expressed deep concern over the significant shortage of teachers on
Montserrat. This is an issue that has plagued the island’s education system at the start of the new 2024/25 academic year. Mrs. Mulcare highlighted that this crisis is not only detrimental to the students but also reflective of deeper socio-economic challenges.
“Teachers have been leaving, leading to large shortages within our schools, which is not a good place to be at this time,” Mrs. Mulcare stated. She further elaborated that the rising cost of living on Montserrat is a significant factor driving teachers away. “Teachers are not completing their contracts because the cost of living on Montserrat is too high,” she noted.
To address the shortage, PDM Candidate Mulcare reminded listeners of PDM’s previous actions when the party was last in power. “Under a previous PDM Government, recruitment efforts were undertaken in neighbouring islands to find teachers to fill the gaps in our schools. If we are waiting on teachers to be trained, there are many ways and means we can get teachers to come, and this will be done under a new PDM Administration, as we cannot afford for our children to fall beneath the cracks,” she emphasized.
Candidate Mulcare also stressed the need for a more comprehensive approach to education, noting the importance of bringing in a broad spectrum of teachers, from special needs educators to early childhood specialists, and even instructors in vocational programmes. She said, “It is crucial that every single child can find their full potential.”
Speaking on vocational training, Mrs Mulcare highlighted PDM’s commitment to focusing on essential trades and skills development. “Vocational programmes such as air conditioning, carpentry, plumbing, and other such key skills will be the focus of a PDM vocational education strategy, as these are needed on Montserrat,” she added.
Under a new PDM Administration, the party is committed to tackling the teacher shortage with urgency and developing a well-rounded education system that empowers all students to thrive. PDM is dedicated to ensuring that no child is left behind, and every effort will be made to equip Montserrat’s youth with the skills and opportunities necessary to succeed.
