Robinson Denies Plot to Topple Government

By Val Matthias. Updated 4:06 p.m., Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Outgoing President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union (SVGTU), Oswald Robinson, has pushed back against claims that he called for the downfall of the government, insisting that his advocacy has always been rooted in defending teachers’ rights rather than political confrontation. 

Speaking to SVGTV News, Robinson said his comments had been misinterpreted. “I never said we’re going to bring down the government,” he said. “I said we will get rid of the Minister of Education if we continue down that kind of road.”

The “that kind of road” he referrers to is the policy direction being taken by the Ministry of Education specifically, what he described as “radical moves without sitting down and having proper dialogue.”

Robinson was warning that if the Ministry persisted in pushing through major changes to teachers’ benefits and entitlements without consultation, the Union would intensify its advocacy, potentially demanding the Minister’s removal.

He emphasized that his role is to speak out whenever policies negatively affect teachers, regardless of which administration is in office. 

Robinson noted that the union has a long history of social action, citing protests in 2015, demonstrations against the vaccine mandate, and public advocacy over poor school conditions. stressing that these actions were about accountability, not political allegiance. 

The SVGTU leader said that his approach is objective: “The government do good, I say do good. If you do bad, I say do bad, at the end of the day, we still have to work together.”

Robinson’s remarks come after the Union’s first meeting with the new Minister of Education, where unresolved matters including teachers’ benefits, vacation entitlements, and the case of Adrianna King, who remains on half pay were discussed. He warned that if these issues are not addressed, members may resort to protest but reiterated that such action is part of trade union rights and not an attempt to destabilize government. 

As he prepares to demit office, Robinson said his commitment remains unchanged, ensuring justice and protecting teachers’ rights through dialogue and, when necessary, peaceful protest. 

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