Unveils Centenary – By Tahna Weston
Unveils Centenary Activities Celebrate
The Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers (A&BUT) has unveiled a slate of activities to mark its centenary, with events spanning the length of the year and culminating in a landmark gala in December that will honour those who have shaped the union across its 100 years of existence.
The union’s General Secretary, Sharon Kelsick, addressed members during the event, which was attended by a number of persons including Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, Minister of Education Daryll Matthew, Director of Education Clare Browne and corporate partners.
Kelsick reflected on her time in the role and the importance of the relationships that have sustained the union’s work, before expressing expectations for the centenary year.
“It has been one of the best experiences of my life and it has been an honour serving as the General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers, and one of the things that I’ve learned during that time is the importance of collaborating with our partners — including not just the Ministry of Education, but also corporate partners. And so, we are grateful for all that they have done over the years. And we know that this year, because we are celebrating 100 years, we expect a little extra collaboration this year,” Kelsick said.
The first major event on the calendar is Barbuda Day, scheduled for April 9th, during the Easter break. The trip is open to all teachers and has been deliberately timed to avoid the need for ministerial approval or applications for casual leave. Kelsick said the event reflects the union’s commitment to strengthening ties across both islands.
“Because we understand the importance of forging that relationship, not just among each other on the main island, but also with our sister island. We thought it important to have a significant activity over on Barbuda. And so, we want to take over as many Antiguan teachers as we can.
“We’ve already gotten a discount from the boat, and we have food included. For those of us who do not appreciate the boat ride over, then we may have to have a conversation with the PM and LIAT investors to see what they can do for us. But we are going with the boat for now because it is the most cost-effective method,” the general secretary said.
The all-inclusive cost of the Barbuda Day trip is $300, which coveris boat transportation, food on the island, and island tours. However, the teachers are being asked to bring their own drinks. Kelsick reminded members that with the announcement being made in early March, there is time to set funds aside before the trip.
Teachers’ Week activities will also take place during the year, with details to be communicated as the year progresses. However, the centrepiece of the centenary celebrations will be a special one-hundredth anniversary gala, tentatively scheduled for December 6th, 2026 — separate from the union’s annual May gala, which will still proceed as usual.
“Once you get to 25 years or once you’re retired, the union takes on the expense with our corporate partners, of course, at saying thank you to those teachers. And this year we have about 45 teachers that we are saying thank you to. But in addition to that, we also want to say thank you to those executive members who have gone before, to those corporate members who have been with us over the years. And so, we thought it prudent to have a separate gala to say thank you to them for the support they’ve given us over these 100 years,” Kelsick noted.
Meanwhile, running throughout the centenary year is an ongoing social media campaign on the A&BUT’s Facebook page, through which educators who have made a significant contribution to the profession are being highlighted. Four have already been recognised, with more to follow.
