The following statement was issued by president of the Barbados Union of Teachers, Rudy Lovell, ahead of the new academic year.
As we begin a new academic year, the Barbados Union of Teachers extends warm greetings and best wishes to all of our members, Ministry of Education Transformation officials, parents and, most importantly, our students.
Education remains one of the most powerful investments we can make in our children and in the future of Barbados. It is through education that we equip our young people with the knowledge, skills, confidence and character to realise their potential and contribute meaningfully to our nation.
To our students, welcome back! We want you to know that you are not alone on this journey. Your teachers care about your success and will make every effort to understand your individual needs, support your learning and help you overcome the challenges you may face. We encourage you to work hard, ask questions, seek help when you need it and never give up on yourself. Believe in your ability to learn, grow and succeed.
To our teachers, school personnel and Ministry officials, the work we do is a shared responsibility. No one group can transform education alone. By listening to one another, respecting each other’s roles and working collaboratively, we can create schools where every child feels safe, valued, supported and inspired to learn.
Parents and guardians are equally important partners, and your encouragement and involvement can make a lasting difference in your child or ward’s educational journey.
As we embark on this 2026 to 2027 school year, let us recommit ourselves to putting our children at the centre of all that we do. Let us work together, support each other and remain focused on our shared goal: giving every child the opportunity to succeed.
On behalf of the Executive Committee of the Barbados Union of Teachers, I wish everyone a safe, productive and successful school year. May God bless our teachers, our students, our schools and our beloved Barbados. (PR)