By 
The Guyanese workplace is a microcosm of Guyanese society. Regardless of educational and professional achievements by individuals in the work environment there are some issues that transcend class, academic achievement and ethnicity.
Recently, a male colleague posted a message in the work WhatsApp group about his penis. The headmaster, deputy headteachers (one male and one female) nor the female administrator did not inform this teacher that his message was inappropriate for the work group. I even called them out for ignoring the distasteful message and still there was no response. In fact, the headteacher (HM) posted a message below the distasteful text as if he didn’t notice.
That got me pondering on the issues I have encountered as a teacher in the school environment. The teaching profession is often touted as being a noble profession and many teachers are seen as wise, intelligent beings who are respected and idolised by students and members of the community. Personally, I see teachers as individuals who have their personal lives, beliefs and lifestyles. They are flawed like other humans and entitled to their own individuality and personality; they are not nuns, priests or godly beings. While many teachers lead conservative, quiet lives there are others who are very active socially, outspoken etc. People are allowed to be themselves but there are certain principles that one should adhere to in a work environment regardless of personal beliefs and prejudices.
He deflects and minimises a colleague’s concerns by posting about his penis. How is that even relevant?
During the last week of the term, I mentioned in the work group again, that I need copies of the documents in my file. It’s a work problem and I spoke to the headteacher several times about it face-to-face. There are guidelines governing this issue so I don’t know why the HM is not following these. Regardless, nobody voiced their opinion on the issue or offered advice. I believe that a work issue should be discussed firstly in the workplace/work group with colleagues rather than with non-involved persons. I wrote about this issue previously: https://lifeingy.com/on-being-gaslighted-and-victimised-by-the-ministry-of-education-guyana/.
A male colleague in the group then posted a rather distasteful message targeted at me. I had no interaction with this teacher and my messages in the group were about work issues and not my personal life. His message below:
Nobody commented on this. Then the following day the HM posted a totally unrelated message as if he hadn’t notice what’s above.
I called out the administrative staff who are senior to this teacher for not informing him that his message is inappropriate.
My issue was not about the right of the teacher to post in the group but the inappropriate content of it and I did state this.
And there is more. When I called him out on the absurdity of his post, he posted a message about the ‘size’ of my vagina! While distasteful, many persons engage in this sort of behaviour. When they can’t win an argument or offer a fitting rebuttal they go to the gutter with their remarks and attack the private parts of women and their perceived lifestyles. While irrelevant to this post I must state that I never had any sort of dalliance with this teacher. In fact, I am his daughter’s teacher!
Implications:
- By not informing a teacher who is his subordinate that his message is inappropriate even when called out on it, the HM ‘silently’ approves his conduct.
- The teacher, H. Baljor tried to silence me and his behaviour towards me was highly offensive when I voiced my concerns on a work matter. By remaining silent, his seniors (HM & DHMs) are implying that he can behave the same way if other teachers and I voice our concerns in meetings and in the work group in the future. I am not allowed to speak.
- Their inability to simply inform a teacher who is junior in rank that his comment was inappropriate shows blatant incompetence and the inability to manage and lead. If they can’t handle such a little issue what can they deal with and how are their decision-making skills? Not too long ago these teachers were sent to a leadership training course for an entire week.
- There is gross partiality in the workplace and these persons display an inability to deal fairly and objectively with common issue. No one said anything and this is the prevailing behaviour at this school. There is indifference and persons in administrative positions simply ignore issues that are brought in front of them. Then when teachers go to social media or traditional media entities with their problems, they are condemned for publicising their work problems. However, nobody addresses the piss-poor leadership in the school and the inability of those with authority to address simple problems.
The teaching profession
The vast majority of workers in the public-school system are women and most workers are Afro-Guyanese. Also, the majority of senior teachers and education officers are Afro-Guyanese. At my former workplace, I mainly experienced racism. An Afro-Guyanese woman headed that school and the education officers who I complained to were Afro-Guyanese; they did not assist me. I have documented evidence to support my allegations. Race relations and tensions between Afro and Indo-Guyanese are quite complicated. I’d have to write a separate post about my experiences.
However, since I started working at Annandale Secondary School, it has been headed by male teachers and there are far more male teachers here than at my previous workplaces. Also, while racism has not affected me as much here, I have noted other issues and they are nothing new. The same issues are reflected in the wider Guyanese society.
Sexism/misogyny in the workplace
Not the first time
During a meeting, the same teacher, H. Baljor became disruptive and behaved as if I was boring him and what I was saying was unimportant, when I spoke about issues in my department. It was staff meeting and teachers were given the opportunity to ask the HM questions and speak about whatever concerns they had. Looking back, I cannot recall the HM telling this teacher that he should respect my right to speak or saying anything about his behaviour. I had to point out to him that while his department had a laboratory, computers and other equipment my department didn’t even have a cupboard or textbooks (at the time).That didn’t move hime. He still did not respect the fact that I was his equal in the workplace and had the right to speak just like him.
And it’s not just him.
Guyanese society is patriarchal; an entire book can be written on the subject. Growing up, most women in my neighbourhood were housewives and those who worked were either single women or single mothers but there were a few who defied the norm. Being a housewife is not easy. The work done by these women for their families is never-ending, strenuous and far more effort is required than in a work environment particularly an office setting. I am not dismissing the value of housework. My mother was a housewife, and all her sisters are except for one who moved to the USA and works in childcare. What usually happens is that when Indo-Guyanese women move to the USA and Canada particularly those that didn’t have careers here, they would seek jobs as babysitters, cooks, cleaners etc.
While more Indo-Guyanese women particularly from my generation are in the workplace certain perceptions and expectations on how these women are and should behave remain in the mindset of others. I have noted that most women who look like me are quiet and keep to themselves. I believe that some of the issues I have encountered has to do with the fact that I don’t fit the norm and am outspoken particularly through writing.
When I was sent to Annandale Secondary School, I was placed in the library to sit and given the chair on the left. .
The chair was very uncomfortable especially the part for my back. I mentioned tthe problem to the then HM, Mr Persaud but nothing was done. At the time, teachers were actually taking the furniture of colleagues without permission. From then to now, the school has improved tremendously to the point where there are excessive resources in terms of school furniture and materials. And the library has been completely renovated. All teachers have now been placed in different staffrooms in the compound. After writing publicly about the matter I was moved into a staffroom: stabroeknews.com/2023/02/09/opinion/letters/inadequate-space-and-furniture-for-teachers-at-annandale-secondary-school/.
Anyway, at the time I was hardly ever able to speak privately with that HM in his office. He always had a student (s), visitor or parents in his office and expected me to tell him about my concerns in front of them. That was the not the only problem with this though. He also had the tendency to make remarks that I found belittling. For instance, once he turned to a student and said that this teacher (me) barely had periods yet was receiving a full salary. And another time, during the covid period I asked him for permission to leave for the day because my allergies was bad (sneezing a lot) and all teachers left the staffroom and were standing in the corridor. They looked at me as if I had covid plus, I didn’t have any classes for the rest of the day (lower-school teachers were at home teaching online). A parent/visitor was present, and he was at his table. Before giving me permission after I explained what was happening, he said that he was allergic to work too! The visitor looked at me as he was embarrassed for me. Also, the HM ignored the fact that I was recently sent to the school by others, Covid had just started (2020) and he was in charge of the school and assigning periods to teachers.
A male colleague told me that was his normal behaviour and he experienced similar treatment but complained to the GTU which led to officers visiting the school so I shouldn’t feel as if I was singled out. However, if your in charge of a workplace that sort of attitude towards subordinates only foster resentment and conflict. Since, I wasn’t able to have a normal conversation with the HM I resorted to posting my concerns in the work group. Having work groups was a new phenonmenon that arose as a direct result of covid.
Well, instead of informing me that I should see him to discuss my problems or responding to my messages in the group I was ignored and even blocked. Plus, teachers including female teachers started bullying and mocking me about my uncomfortable chair (I posted about this). No sisterhood among Guyanese women (my experience). Instead of looking at my messages for the content and merit, they were mocking me. Many teachers behave just like the students they teach.
And during the time that my HoD was there, he never held a meeting with us that I am aware of nor did he form a group with the teachers in his department. Once I contacted him after asking a colleague for his number about a work matter in our department and felt as if I was bothering him. During that time I was teaching online from home. A new Spanish teacher was sent to the school, I never met this man and before normal classes resumed he had already resigned from the job. However, while he was employed he was given two of my classes in late October of that term and he contacted me via WhatsApp to request the google password for my classes that I created on my own.
The HM nor HoD hadn’t informed me that there was a new teacher in the department and that he was assigned two of my classes. Plus, the HM constantly kept assigning and reassigning me to different classes after the term commenced without informing me beforehand. After I expressed my frustration in the teachers’ group I was removed. This is how they were dealing with simple issues in the school. Total lack of communication and proper leadership and management. And when one speaks out one is accused of being a troublemaker and mentally deranged! Below, my messages about my work problems and the response of the HM.
Additionally, when I wrote in the group about my uncomfortable chair it literally became a joke for colleagues. After a while, I was added to the group once more. They started mocking me about it instead of evaluating my concern on its merit. It was like being a high-school student again and facing childish drama. And instead of addressing my concern the HM ignored it. A female teacher, Shabiki Liverpool literally blocked me from messaging in the group although my message had nothing to do with her. Then the HM thanked her for doing so. And these same persons would do courses about transformational, empathetic and democratic leadership but don’t put into practice anything that they learnt.
To reinforce my point, a message was forwarded to the group from either a colleague or education officer advising me to formally take my concerns to the HM instead of posting it in the group. I thought that was a good idea and hence gave the HM a letter highlighting my concerns. Copies were not sent to anyone else. It was a little internal issue and what I expected was for the HM to discuss the matter with me. Instead, he never approached me but an education officer, Ms Fazia Baksh (I didn’t know her identity at the time) arrived at the school and interrogated me about my letter to the HM in his office! I wrote about what happened here: https://www.stabroeknews.com/2022/01/16/opinion/letters/im-not-allowed-to-give-my-opinion-suggestion-about-my-secondary-schools-mundane-issues/ During this meeting, colleagues were asked for their opinion about me. The HM even said that there was no place for me at the school and told me to leave the compound. I remained home for three days then he said that the REdO wanted to see me. When I got to the dept, the REdO was not in office however, the HM was there and he told me to return to the school after chasing me out!
The point is that often, issues leave the confines of the workplace because those who manage the work environment are greatly influenced by their personal bias and beliefs; have poor communication and decision-making skills and employ an autocratic style of leadership. Maybe they feel that because they are the head, they know best and to consider the suggestions and concerns of others would lower their standing.
Is it lack of tact or gender bias/sexism?
People would have their own labels for what I’ve described. Is sensitivity weakness? Are they unconsciously doing it or is it with the intent to belittle and hurt the person emotionally?
For instance, while having a normal conversation with a colleague (R.R.) when I just started at the school, he said that Annandale Secondary School was babysitting me for the MOE. I stopped the conversation immediately. And I find that during the most casual conversations about neutral topics this male teacher would just make sarcastic comments. Another time, I mentioned that I need to follow proper procedures with something because I am unlucky then he said in this mocking tone that I am the luckiest teacher he knows. It’s hard to put into words, tone and body language but what was implied is that I am sort of a ‘bad teacher’ and he’s surprised that I’m still on the job. Am I too sensitive? Probably, but when having a normal conversation about work in the workplace is sarcasm and insults really needed and conducive to productive communication and interpersonal work relationships?
Like that time in a meeting when it was suggested that the DHM and I do not get along and colleagues looked at me for an explanation. I do not know the DHM outside of work, never had any sort of argument/confrontation with him and while our interactions are professional, we do not engage in any sort of conversation with each other unless necessary. Basically, that’s how I am with most of my colleagues, I am sort of introverted. However, I explained that the DHM told me that he taught me when I was a student there. I can’t remember this but when I asked him what sort of student I was, he said that I had psychiatric problems! Insensitive comment or unconsciously done? I didn’t say anything to him but I wrote about being bullied when I was a student: https://lifeingy.com/my-experience-with-bullying/
The point of relating this, is that although I disclosed how I was bullied as a student and people assumed that I tried to commit suicide by drinking kerosene the only comment was from the HM. He said with a smirk that he hopes I don’t do that again! Like am I being too sensitive or are these normal comments? Regardless, I am not a confrontational person, in fact I hardly speak but I would write about how I feel. The way I am has a lot to do with my childhood but I’ll need to write another long post for that.
I can’t relate all the insensitive comments people have made in the workplace; I’ll never be finished with this post if I try but you get the drift…like that time the former HM said that it’s a good thing that I didn’t get to complete medical school or else I’d kill the patients! I find that many teachers, both males and females would say things that lack tact.
Mental Health is used as a weapon to silence others
Also, I’ve noted persons using mental health as a weapon to belittle others. I don’t understand why there is such a stigma attached to mental health in Guyana though. Wellbeing encompasses both physical and mental health. Health is holistic. Perhaps it’s the lack of empathy. However, only mental health professionals can diagnose and treat mental conditions but in Guyana, many persons without any sort of medical training would accuse others of having mental health problems as a tool to humiliate them and invalidate their opinions and concerns.
Many persons have done this to me. And in the messages posted by H. Baljor he mentions ‘insanity benefits’. I have noticed that in the workplace that I am presently stationed at, when some teachers want to silence me, cannot deal with an issue, debate/offer a fitting rebuttal to a point raised or argument they allude to my mental health as if they are medical doctors who trained in psychiatry and I am their patient whom they diagnosed with mental health disorders. And it’s not just me; it’s a society wide problem. When people regardless of occupation want to humiliate/belittle someone they accuse or infer that the person has mental health problems.
When I was given the opportunity to view my file, I noted a document from the former HM. Apparently after the visit by Ms Baksh he was asked or did on his own a document about me. It was basically his opinion about me. However, in closing he stated that I have mental health problems and the department of education should urgently assist me. Not surprisingly, he never gave me a copy or showed it to me. Basically, he couldn’t address my mundane work concerns and in an effort to hide his incompetence in this area of management he ‘diagnosed’ me as suffering from mental health problems. Typical.
In effect, mental health is used as a tool to belittle others, to cover incompetence and for those who can’t win an argument/debate especially against a woman.
Silence, bullying and lack of critical thinking
I would just touch on these here because each topic is going to be too lengthy if I really delve into them.
So, I could post about 20 different work issues, and the administrative staff would just not respond and later they would post something unrelated. I could even post about having a mental breakdown due to work issues and most definitely I would be ignored. I believe that work matters should be discussed in the workplace/work group because that is where it can be addressed and solved not with one’s friend, neighbour or a stranger. Isn’t addressing work issues from employees part of management and leadership in the work environment?
And while the norm is silence when issues are highlighted, the response is often bullying particularly mocking one’s concern. For instance, I noted that in meetings the suggestions of male colleagues are often discussed and considered in a professional manner while female teachers particularly me, aren’t afforded the same courtesy. One time I mentioned this either in the group or at a meeting and I used the term ‘sexist’. Of course, what I stated was not discussed or considered based on merit, but some teachers particularly female ones started using the word ‘sexist’ whenever I was around. They’d say things like ‘Sir, you are being sexist.’ in an exaggerated manner. It’s all so childish, and it was the same with the chair story. Instead of looking at my concern as something that could be true or not and respecting my right to express how I felt, they became hung up on the words used. Plus, they didn’t even realise that sexism is something that is relevant to them due to their gender.
Also, I’d write something on my Facebook page that is really about me and not them, yet someone would prowl my page for things to mock me with it in the staffroom! For instance, I wrote about ‘vagina shame’ and how women are treated because of this organ. Instead of looking at the substance of my argument or just ignoring it since it had nothing to do with them, they decided to mock me. Yes, I work with teenagers in adult bodies.
Now whether you like someone or not or whether you are friends or not does it really matter in the work environment? The workplace is a professional setting. I don’t need to be friends with someone to respect their rights and to consider what they say. For example, if someone complains about a broken desk or uncomfortable chair, I can understand how that person may feel. I don’t need to be in the same situation to empathise. Instead of laughing at the person or joking about it with colleagues I would simply suggest a solution, offer advice or keep my mouth closed. Why is it so hard for people to respect the individuality of others and realise that they have their own way of seeing the world and their own concerns.
Furthermore, another thing that is sorely lacking is critical thinking and there are so many examples. It’s like people cannot make decisions on their own or consider suggestions that they find to be different. For example, during the covid period when I tried to set up Google classrooms with my students, I found that many of them did not know what an email address is and how to set up one. I had to spend a lot of time guiding them and still some weren’t getting through. Now IT was not my subject and to spend so much time on tech issues was taxing and reducing my class time.
I explained this problem in the group and suggested that the IT teachers show the students how to set up email addresses and use applications such as google classroom effectively since it was their area. I was ignored and my suggestion was not considered. Covid happened; it wasn’t planned so although showing the students how to set up email addresses may not have been a topic on the scheme for the term it could have still been taught given the need! They didn’t need the MoE to direct them to do this.
Another time, the HM wanted to us to go to the school to mark worksheets that were dropped off by the students. No problem with this, however, the worksheets that were given to the students had all the answers printed at the back! So a child could basically not do any work but just write the answers already given and score 100%. Does this make sense? Apparently, a printing error occurred, and this was at the height of Covid. The leadership team couldn’t use critical thinking to realise that it made no sense to mark those papers.
And they even said that teachers teaching different subjects should go to the school and all sit in the IT room to teach the children from different classes online because the MoE said so! They couldn’t evaluate that this made no sense. At the time only the IT lab had internet access and how can you have over 20 teachers sitting in one room at the same time teaching different subjects?
There is the overall lack of critical thinking and the inability/unwillingness to discuss anything although each workplace would have their individual challenges. It’s either the ministry said this or they don’t know or someone has to tell them what to do and if that doesn’t happen then it’s total silence. Critical thinking cannot be applied. For instance, the president spoke about making Spanish compulsory in Grade 7-9. Now some schools would have sufficient subject specialist to make this a reality but if your school doesn’t have the required staff can you still teach it? Common sense would tell you that you need teachers in order to implement this. Not all schools are equal in terms of staff and resources. Then they timetabled a ‘ghost’ teacher who never reported for work! How can you timetable someone who never reported for one day of work? Common sense is apparently not so common and it’s the same for critical thinking.
These are some of the experiences I’ve had at only one workplace. What is highlighted is the lack of management and leaderships skills, empathy and communication. People allow their personal beliefs to influence their conduct in the work environment. There is the overall lack of respect for the individuality of others and their right to express their concerns and opinions on work matters. Then when little work issues reach the public domain, they are most offended and feel personally attacked yet are unwilling to address the same issues internally. What a paradox!