By Val Matthias. Updated 12:45 p.m., Wednesday, October 7, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
The St Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union is questioning the decision to reopen most schools while some households, including teachers’ homes, remain without water following the recent disruption to the Majorca water system.
In a statement posted on social media, SVGTU President Fiona Charles-Williams described the situation as “another systemic failure of the Ministry”, accusing the Ministry of Education of failing to effectively consult and collaborate with relevant stakeholders.
Charles-Williams said the Central Water and Sewerage Authority had indicated publicly on Tuesday that the Majorca water system would remain closed until further notice, but the Union was still awaiting an update.
She said the Union had called for consideration and stakeholder involvement but claimed it was met with what she described as the Ministry’s “usual silence.”
The concerns come as the SVG Education Media Unit indicated that most schools would resume classes today, Wednesday October 7, despite continuing water supply problems.
Charles-Williams is questioning whether schools without water are being instructed to open and whether those reopening have access to safe drinking water.
She also questioned the condition of water storage tanks at schools, asking whether they are functional and available for use.
The Union President further pointed to the significance of the Majorca system, saying it supplies about 40 percent of the island, and questioned whether that should have been given greater consideration before decisions were made about reopening schools.
She also questioned why the list of schools reopening has been changing and whether the decision was made without adequate dialogue and consultation.
Charles-Williams linked the issue to workplace health and safety, saying the government cannot seek to advance an Occasional Health and Safety Act while, in her view, failing to adequately consider the health and safety of workers and the people they serve.
She is calling on the Ministry of Education, Technical and Vocational Training, Digital Transformation and Information to do better.
The Union President, however, praised the work of teams from CWSA, BRAGSA, healthcare services and other frontline agencies, as well as residents who have assisted one another in affected communities.
She described that community response as an example of “what our country is about collaboration.”
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About the Author: This story was written and submitted by freelance journalist Mr. Val Matthias, a trained communicator with more than two decades in the media sector. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication (UWI Mona), a Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management (UWI Cave Hill), a Certificate in Digital Marketing, and has years of broadcast journalism experience rising to ranks of a programme manager. All supporting materials for this story have been presented, vetted, and verified. Mr Matthias can be reached at valmatthias188@gmail.com
