Former General Secretary of the Dominica Association of Teachers, Clifford Wallace, has told hundreds of local educators that they “should stand up” for what is right and not be distracted by politics.
Wallace was the guest speaker at the 20th World Teacher’s Day celebration held at the Cabrits National Park on Friday.
“Do not allow political support to keep us from standing our grounds,” he stated. “You teachers… I do not know what your political affiliations are but when the time comes for you to stand up against Mrs. Shillingford, Hon. Petter Saint Jean, the guy they say haven’t got much neck…do not allow political patronage to defeat that purpose.”
He said it is worthy to remind teachers that they should “stand up and demonstrate that you know what you want and you know what you are about.”
He told the teachers that if they want to be instruments of change, they must deliver various qualities including that of political independence and bravery.
“In these changing times, my friends, if teachers are to be truly instruments of change and if you are to be viewed as taking the lead in the delivery of quality education, then you have to exhibit a true spirit of boldness, one of bravery, one of political independence and you also need to be able to stand up to what you believe to be right, just and fair,” he said.
Wallace mentioned further that a greater portion of the national budget should be allocated to education.
“I want to strongly suggest that in order for the expected and desired quality of education to be achieved, the political directorate and policy makers in their budgetary planning and preparations, they have to make sure that a larger percentage of the national budget cake will and should be allocated to the Ministry of Education on an annual basis,” he remarked. “In order words, the authorities concerned should put their money where their mouths are if teachers are to meet and produce the necessary outcomes.”
Meantime, the Dominica Association of Teachers awarded and saluted the following teachers for their years of service to the profession: Jistine Dick for 41 years, Arthur James for 38 years, Ernie Jones for 30 plus years, Jessica Laville for 36 years, Cordelia St. Ville for 43 years, and Augustina Theophille for 38 years.
The event also included a prayer service, sermonette, and a benediction.
The celebration was held under the theme ‘Teachers take the lead for quality education’.
great speech mr wallace.in solidarity with you and your speech if only this governent was listening to the masses there wouldnt be so many ppl againts them. they has lost focus and to deal with the real issues tats hy they will never get my vote again
I remember 42 years ago, we went on a school trip to clifton village, we meet Wallace. I work together years ago with one of his son Wallace. who have his own business a few years ago i knew off. Mr Wallace you are a very good speech person. you did a good job traing your son wallie I called him. I remember at lunch break we sat together watching the great bay habour talking about our future, ways and means for us make better salary. I went back to school for 5 years. I did accounting and working for much more money, than where we were working for small changes. Thanks wallie, I am bless.
We just do not learn in Dominica? When will we realize you do not lose your job because you did not vote for the government in power. When will we learn you do not stop going to church because the preacher does not support your party? I am coming to the realization that Dominicans would do better under a Dictatorship. That is exactly what they deserve.
He should have given that speech before Celia Nicholas run and take that 1%. when government took their increase of 49%. Yet teachers taking their own money to ensure our children get the best education while the powders that be throwing dust in their eyes. Teachers continue to act the part of whimps that’s the attitude students are seeing that’s why they fighting and beating all you up. You all fall for every thing and shut you all mouths for politics sake so take what all you get….Teacher Wallace enjoy the little pension and let them worms take their blows. By the way let me see if those political degenerates will disrespect you like they did Peiro and take a swipe at you….
“stand up against Mrs. Shillingford, Hon. Petter Saint Jean, the guy they say haven’t got much neck…do not allow political patronage to defeat that purpose.”
In reference to Mrs. Shillingford, if you are speaking of Gloria Dodds Shillingford parliamentary representative of the Wesley constituents, you need to be informed that prior to politics, Gloria spent all of her young life educating children; not only in the St. Andrews secondary school in Wesley as the principal, but also in other areas of Dominica.
She may have let down her constituency, especially Wesley, by not accomplishing anything for the village politically, however; when she taught school she did everything according to the teaching protocol. She proved here courage when she did not favor her very own nephew who apparently crossed the line while attending classes.
Do not quote me; however, the consequences the son of her brother Cyrus, also a former school principal suffered at the hands of his aunt Gloria, has actually ruined him thus far. It takes guts for someone to do what is right, and like it or not you have to admit that Gloria has the guts, and courage to do what is right, as making an example of her very own nephew. Now I don’t know if she should have involved herself into politics, since it seems to me that her lack of ability to do anything useful, or significant for the people of Wesley in particular.
I am one who believe when reached the legal age for retirement, she should have retired, and not get involved into politics, since people are not usually remembered for the previous good, and accomplishments, however, for their last performance, in this case she will be remembered for not accomplishing anything politically in the interest of her constituency.
I cannot give the same compliment to Petter, since I am very much aware of his incompetence , he is a choice to be minister of education; when he was a teacher, he often marked the work of his students wrong, when in fact, the mathematical calculations or English grammar was indeed correct.
There is no point of suggesting that teachers do not allow themselves to be influence by politics, or become in partisan politics in Dominica, you cannot eliminate that since many of them became teachers, not because of their educational background, or teaching abilities, but because they dressed in the brightest colors of red, and are highly vocal politically.
Thus, teaching jobs are handed to them on a political golden platter.
Politics, has found itself on the pulpit in many Churches on the island, so too in the teaching profession where it will remain unless people come to their senses, and realize they should not sell their sole to the politicians!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
At least there’s some fun in the news. Go Mr. Wallace go!
Mr.Wallace,who is that guy they say that haven’t got much neck?Now,why are you involving politics in your speech when you advocated that the teachers should not be distracted by politics?
Great speech
Teacher Clifford well said. I have been one of your students and you have been a brilliant educator. I remember those days at Clifton primary school with you as principal.
I know for a fact that you have no political agenda here and you are always a person who speaks your mind frankly. Everything has become so political it is so sickening. No longer can one express his or her views without politicians taking it personal. I understand why you made your comments.
“the guy they say haven’t got much neck”. That one was funny. Alas, I will die from laughter
Clifford just tell them teachers that they should have stood up firmly for their rightful pay increase. Tell the teachers they should have stood up against Charles Saverin when he told the teachers no hike in salaries – Really Charles Saverin did that. Clifford know very well the record of Charles Saverin who back in the days lead teachers on a 47 day strike.
this isn’t political in the sense ya’ll making it, mr wallace wants to speak directly to teachers, then what better place, time or medium do you think would be better??? of course on a day when all teachers meet, a day they celebrate their profession… none of you can deny or refute what he said, because he spoke IN THE INTEREST OF TEACHERS… not in the interest of any party, but the guys names he called are gov’t operatives so it looks like a jab at D.L.P and a plus for U.W.P… why should teachers, doctors, nurses, policemen and other public servants cause politics to prevent them for standing for righteousness is laughable and scary in the same breath…. it’s time to stand for what is right, not what you think you parl rep want u to agree on….
Mr Wallace always a stand up man have been a great educator and I think should b on the list for Dominicas highest award because of what he’s done for not just education but community,village and parish.thanxs for your discipline and knowledge at the Clifton govt school u the best.
Another parrot
Wallace i love my pm and he is always right!
You are a jack a** to say someone is always right, that showed how small minded we are in Dominica. No one is telling you not to love your PM, but to sat he is always right, WOW. I dont think anyone can be more foolish than that. I can bet not even he will say he is always right.
Well he is my PM too, but his atrocious leadership style which has brought poverty to almost the entire population,leaves me with no choice but to vote against him whenever the bell is rung.HE IS WRONG ON EVERYTHING, 99.99999% OF THE TIME.
Good speech Mr Wallace.I can’t wait for a strike to be called.
If that’s the quality of the keynote address, then its utterly disappointing. People need to understand that there is a time and a place for everything. One should NOT use the annual Teachers’ Day gathering to further their own party political agenda. This is in poor taste!
Great speech Mr Wallace. You are one of those who speak truth to power! the country is yearning for men of your stature.
Great speech Mr.WALLACE.am always for education,and teachers deserve the highest pay in the country.
So why are you putting politics in it?
everything is political. Mr. Wallace spoke about distribution of resources, an issue which is inherently political. There is no escaping from it. And please note ‘politics’ or ‘political’ is different from political partisanship. Too many confuse the two.
“PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTHS ARE”.
Put EDUCATION throughout SOCIETY and they, EDUCATION and MONEY, will exercise its purpose.