President Savarin urges teachers to play role in lives of students

President Savarin. Photo credit: Dr. Lennox Honychurch
President Savarin. Photo credit: Dr. Lennox Honychurch

President of Dominica, Charles Savarin, has urged teachers to continue working toward the development of their students.

In his address to mark World Teachers Day on Friday 4th October, 2013 Savarin urged all teachers “continue to play a prominent role in the life of your students.”

“To act as their guide for life, showing them the path towards success and enrich their personalities by imparting ethical and academic knowledge; bring out the untamed talents of your students and sharpen it in order to bring out the best results,” he stated.

The president, who is also a former teacher, congratulated all teachers on the occasion of World Teachers Day and noted that this year’s theme “Teachers take the lead for Quality Education” underscores the strong feeling and conviction that educators should lead the debate about excellent and quality teaching.

He pointed out further that the performance of students at the 2013 Grade Six National Assessment, and the results of the CSEC regional examination, “unequivocally attest” to the fact that Dominican teachers go beyond the call of duty.

“We thank them for this tremendous effort and urge them to continue to work collectively towards an even higher level of professional competence. When professional values are championed, a deep sense of pride, identity and ownership characterizes the teaching body,” he stated.

Saturday 5th October, 2013 marks the 20th World Teacher’s Day as institutionalized by the United Nations however it is celebrated locally on the first Friday of October.

Teachers from all over the island will converge at the Cabrits National Park on Friday morning to participate in the annual Dominica Association of Teachers (DAT) Teachers Rally.

DAT President Celia Nicholas revealed that honoring a few retired teachers is one of the activities scheduled to take place during the rally.

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57 Comments

  1. Roseau
    October 7, 2013

    This sounds so uncomfortable and strange hering the the words “Presidnet Saverin.”
    Something not right here.

  2. possie
    October 6, 2013

    Thanks to all the teachers who inspired myself and others. sorry, teachers all over the world are under paid US UK France-you are still expected to do a good job. Be proud of your students achievement, you only get out what you put in. Thanks teachers.

  3. possie
    October 6, 2013

    I thought the 47 days strike was for the benefit of all the civil servants that were being oppressed by the Patrick regime? what is wrong with you people? stop letting hatred and politics cloud your minds. You still love the Rt Honorable Patrick Roland John don’t you? Viva mama Eugenia……………

  4. Pedro
    October 6, 2013

    If we are to follow you lead, Dominica would be even worst than it is today. (last ca-ca rat) in ev You have not built anything, all you do is destroy. You are in n position to advice Teachers.

  5. contact
    October 5, 2013

    what an example to the students of D.A aA man with that kind of history has become Dominica”s president Former decease Mr. O.F. Symes must be turning in his grAve this current president had him under House arrest.

  6. GOD HELP
    October 5, 2013

    Them people don’t know the word forgiveness some for all Dominicans You guys pray I hope so SMH !

    • Anonymous
      October 7, 2013

      I agree with you saverin does not know the meaning of forgiveness that is why he reminded Dominicans what he did to labourites and promised to do the same to Jerry Beisbane

  7. Neg
    October 5, 2013

    If after tasting a cup of chocolate tea it was delicious then you turn away to get some bread then someone say there is a roach in the tea when you get back to the cup you will not drink it because of its recent history As a former teacher, your recent history with the government and your time spent on the so called animal show is no good example to our children, if they were to take you as there role model, then they would think it is OK to lie, to firebomb people, to disrespect the rights of others, to steal, and to disregard our constitution,
    your recent history with the government and your time spent on the so called animal show have changed things for you, not too many people will respect you.

  8. Family feud
    October 5, 2013

    Teachers need to be recognized more for their hard work not once a year or after we have retired We are doing our best at school even under difficult circumstances The little salary government pays me it is divided between home and school we have to make our classroom conducive to learning I have to purchase everything on my own pocket so hats off to ALL TEACHERS

  9. Anonymous
    October 5, 2013

    Please ……… you killed them during negotiations a few tears ago. They got nothing substantial after days of pleading and begging with you…….just wicked.

    THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PLAY A ROLE IN THE LIVES OF TEACHERS ……THEY ALREADY PLAY A ROLE IN THE LIVES OF STUDENTS ……..WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ???

  10. THAIRY
    October 5, 2013

    Dominicans please stop hating these days have pass gone bye .We no longer in the 70’s stop judging the President .Why don’t you all pray for him

  11. BRAIN DAMAGE
    October 4, 2013

    So you like it now mr. Disregarding the Constitution, using and exploiting the people to gain power.

  12. Skerrit's President
    October 4, 2013

    Imposter!

  13. babalene
    October 4, 2013

    A qoute from the inaugural President SPEECH “A house divided against itself cannot stand,” he stated. “It is a reminder to us that as we journey together on our mission to build a more just and prosperous society that differences in approaches and priorities will be merged from time to time. That we should always seek to resolve such differences through dialogue and compromise. And that the bigger picture is Dominica, the state and the people and not self nor the interest of any one group or organization.” What great words of wisdom in other words there must be due and frank consultation and discuss and process among parties; however I was just thinking out aloud; where were those thoughts and ideas between the 12th September and the time he was installed president; apparently those thoughts never existed in his mind muchless to be come out of his mouth when it mattered !!!

  14. Anon
    October 4, 2013

    He looks like president but President Savarin just does not sound good. Not a good ring to it.

  15. brainn
    October 4, 2013

    No boi you all still about the past?? Everyone has a past of their own and learn from their mistake. I wonder if the opposition is perfect or doesn’t have a past….Let the President do his job give him a break.

  16. jah Kal
    October 4, 2013

    Charles Savarin u a such a hypocrite standing in front of the teacher did u confess ur sins 1979 1979 1979.

  17. take your time
    October 4, 2013

    Such childish comments from you all

  18. open minded
    October 4, 2013

    As a former teacher he should remind then not to short down all schools for 47 days like he did, because after all, our students need to be encouraged to stay in school, Also, as president he should also tell them that they should not follow his example that caused the first president of Dominica to flee the country due to national unrest he instigated in 1979. I don’t believe he should stand in the classroom. He should only be allowed to address the SSU where everyone is heavily armed,

    • Grand Bay Girl
      October 4, 2013

      Let go

    • show stopper
      October 5, 2013

      He does not like teachers. He has forgotten the base from which he did ascend. Now he has got ‘all’ for himself all the p/servants will feel the worst stingof the pinch. He revived the howling gangs and the dreads and place them into action then. Ge and the tyrant barking dictator called a square root are suppressing your purses.
      I wish we had a president for the people.

    • Anonymous
      October 6, 2013

      This is such a stupid comment and dose not reflect the full value of our political history. This man should be held in high esteem for changing the political landscape of the island. I respect him for his leadership at the turning point in Dominica’s development. I would hate to think what type of Dominica we would have today if men like him stood still. He is one of our revolutionaries.

  19. Rule
    October 4, 2013

    What role have you taken in the lives of Dominicans other than a non-productive destructive posture!

  20. long time teacher
    October 4, 2013

    Well said Mr. president.Congrats to all teachers. However the ministry of education needs to address the problem of trained teachers who can’t find jobs at the schools.So many trained teachers can’t find a teaching job, yet, the teachers college is still training students to become teachers. Please, find a way to help the trained teachers who are unemployed. Thank you.

    • was a 79 bystander
      October 6, 2013

      @long time teacher. People need to make more children. I am sure when you taught you had an average class of 35 any where in the island. Now in the rural areas, the average class is 15. so many schools are now multi grade. NO CHILDREN TO TEACH=NO TEACHERS.

  21. Greg
    October 4, 2013

    Hypocrisy , hubris and selfishness in the presidency. Teachers your are always at the top of my list. Teachers you must regard Charles Saverin as the selfish person that he is and has been ever since we were boys in Portsmouth.
    Teachers you must not forget or take lightly that the man who is pretending here is the same man who a few months ago was bent on not giving civil servants the raise that they deserve. Don’t forget that when he was bent on destroying anything red or Shoe like he had teachers strike for 47 days – what were his issues- back pay, salary increase and his own politics. Note that a few months ago he was the minister in the ministry of labor and guess what he disrespected the legitimate concern of civil servants.
    Today he ascended into $28 K a month. The question you teachers especially those who (1) who are quiet and suffering – cyan pay your bills 92) those who shout Labor Power – what has Charles and the gang of crooks done for you lately.
    40 years of living on tax payers; In Brussels he a complete failure – Mamo had to ship him back to Dominica. I wont say anymore other than
    Hypocrites all a you hypocrites
    You got to pay the price someday

    • Justice and Truth
      October 4, 2013

      It is sad that you are not a good example, not even to the youths.

    • Joe Burton
      October 5, 2013

      The voice of envy. This sounde like a Linton speech.

    • Anonymous
      October 6, 2013

      During those 47 days he was look upon as Dominica’s hero. Lest we forget.

    • forkit
      October 6, 2013

      what is the starting salary of a teacher, i guess 1400. can that be good in 2013……..

      charlo for me to respect you urge skerrit to give them a substancial increase so they can buy sardines at 4.25 and other must have food to eat

  22. chillout
    October 4, 2013

    Mr.President, while you are there trying to inspire, and rightly so, another story is about their pageant or “not a queen” show….really sad to read.. 8-O 8-O

  23. faceup
    October 4, 2013

    The man shut down schools for 47 days for his own interest in 1979 SMH !!

    • Justice and Truth
      October 4, 2013

      How old are you? You continue to live in the past. It will not help the future or yours.

    • Joe Burton
      October 5, 2013

      Get over the 47 days and stop living in the past. And remember this ,all institutions and every organizations ,even hospital and police were on strike. People could have said no, but they wanted more money.The did not care, they wanted more money and Charles Savarin was not alone. Even church officials were encouraging the action.So get off his back.When he was a minister no one had a problem with it.I was a victim of the 47 days but I have moved on .

    • black Queen
      October 5, 2013

      if he didnt take the lead in shutting own the schools for 47days you or your parents would not be enjoying a better salary today Shame On You

      • Anonymous
        October 7, 2013

        You are right because is not Eugenia dat would give civil servant more that 1% increase. Not skerritt that would give more than 0% and you know what? Saverin supported both Eugenia and skerritt in not increasing the salary of civil servants.

  24. Huh
    October 4, 2013

    I wonder if the teachers stood up for him when he arrived, I won’t

    • Anonymous
      October 4, 2013

      Let us be civilized and respectful.It is incumbentb on all of us to rrspect the office of president no matter who or what occupies that office.therefore I am urging all to hold the office in the highest regard for the sake of the country we all love.
      I wish it was a better choice, less divicive person in the post but we have to respect the Presidency.

      • Observer
        October 4, 2013

        My friend Anonymous, hold your breath. Let this thing play out in its own time, as it must. Those who most vehemently oppose Mr. Savarin for President are the very same ones who have opposed every and anything government has done. Every appointment, every development project, every fiscal program, every institution, just name it they have opposed. The opposition cannot point to anything in recent times where they have gone on the public record and recognize any good that PM Skerrit’s government has done and is doing. Imagine the rehabilitation of the West Coast Road was criticized as a waste of money by the Marigot MP. The Transinsular Road from Pond Case to Marigot was criticized as a waste of money by the Roseau Central MP. The geothermal energy project which promises to be an economy changing project is also criticized, even by conservationists in a most negative way. Every program of government has met with ridicule and contempt by the very same ones who are today criticizing President Savarin. Imagine some of Savarin’s leuitenants in his time at the union are today criticizing him and crediting him and him alone for the turbulent 1970’s. Since the union that Savarin led at the time is now in bed with Savarin’s critics, it would be interesting to hear what they have to say about his role back in the 1970’s. So I will not burst a vein about critics of Mr. Savarin. These are the same people who cry foul on allegations of corruption in government here, but are very much at ease with themselves promoting a government that is riddled with allegations of corruption in St. Kitts. They have been campaigning heart and soul against allegations of wrong doing, corruption and nepotism in government here, yet they see absolutely no problem in inviting a foreign guest to their convention who arrived here with a litany of alleged wrong doings in government in St. Lucia. They cry foul, almost ready to wreck the Economy oF Dominica, over what they claim to be a bloated electoral list as. But when the same list is used and they are victorious, then there is nothing wrong with the electoral list. the list is faulty only in constituencies where they lose. So they opposition is simply out of step with itself. Since they criticize every thing here and be comfortable with the very issues elsewhere, then their moral fabric is suspect. they have lost all credibility to criticize. So do not fret on them.

      • Joe Burton
        October 5, 2013

        This is the kind of comments that Dno and the rest of the anti-labour party media should pay attention to. “Let us be civilized and respectful”. Let us be level headed human beings. Let us stop promoting negatives ,envy and hatred and violence.I think Charles Saverin will make a good President so let us give him a chance.Let us encourage him to be a good person and the kind of Presiodent we can be proud of.His performance will depend on our support.

      • October 5, 2013

        the office of the Presidnt is still vacant

      • Valentino
        October 5, 2013

        Sorry, He taught us not to be afraid to put down our feet. That one must go all out to get what they want. I speak for Degazon, lartigue who are turning in their graves and I say he needs to step down pronto. Dominica does not want him, period.
        I won’t stand up for a smaller piece of shirt farless a bigger piece of shirt.
        Act now. Third stitch in time may save the H.

      • Justice and Truth
        October 6, 2013

        What better choice? You sit behind your computer and criticize and make such comments as to a better choice. Who do you have in mind for a fourth better choice?

    • grand rapids
      October 4, 2013

      I hope they did not. we need to start a revolution. children should not stand either. Teachers need to boycott school rally this year.

    • Anonymous
      October 5, 2013

      Who asked you to anyway!
      SMH…

    • black Queen
      October 5, 2013

      because you sound like a novice

      • black Queen
        October 5, 2013

        this comment was meant for HUH

  25. October 4, 2013

    Congratulations in emphasizing on EDUCATION. A COMBINATION of PARENTS, TEACHERS, and the COMMUNITY will ensure FUTURE STABILITY in SOCIETY.

    • Provoker or Joker
      October 6, 2013

      To emphasize is easy, easy; But more importantly is providing the tools. Talk is cheap.

  26. Hot Ice
    October 4, 2013

    Work harder Teachers, your pay will remain the same. Nothing said of an increase in salary for their hard work. Good speech writer. No blasted action – just talk.

    • Fan
      October 4, 2013

      I don’t care what amount of money you pay teachers it will never be enough. Teachers around the world are under paid not just Dominica. We just have to be thankful for them.

      • grand rapids
        October 4, 2013

        yes. they will take your thankfulness and put in their pot to boil to give their children to eat. why the ministers not getting thank you for their pay? most of the teachers are more qualified than them.
        What is the p m salary? what is the president salary? for doing nothing.

      • Joe Burton
        October 5, 2013

        We are always asking for change.Well this is one area that need change on an international level. In all areas and every aspect ,teachers should be given equal recognition as Ministers of government and executives of corporations.Not just in pay but also in recognition and respect.The New President should be challenged to start the ball rollins.It should be his contribution to the International community his legacy.

      • Joe Burton
        October 5, 2013

        Just thinking what would we be ,what would the world be without teachers. We in Domonica can make a contribution to the world by advacating improved recognition to teachers .Let it begin with us.How many of us even return and say thanks to even one of our teachers. See how we treat doctors and other professionals,teachers deserve the same recognition.Even more.

      • Provoker or Joker
        October 6, 2013

        Let us fight our own battle. You don’t care for others because you got the infinity duty-free and your pocket is full. Why don’t you compare us to you instead.

      • Justice and Truth
        October 7, 2013

        You are correct. Teachers are never fully paid. They are another set of professionals who are overworked and underpaid. Some of them become teachers mainly for the love of teaching. Consider not being paid for approximately 3 months during summer. School closes for the Christmas and Easter holidays.

    • grand rapids
      October 4, 2013

      Teachers, you need to get rid of this Government.
      I would like to know if it is only Mrs. Nicholas that can be president of DAT? is she president for Life? soon Skerrit will give hert a post and she will leave all you cra na na

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