After months of dialogue and negotiation, the Presbyterian Church and the Ministry of Education have signed an interim agreement regarding funding for Presbyterian primary and secondary schools in T&T. The agreement was signed by moderator of the Synod, the Rt Rev Elvis Elahie and the ministry's permanent secretary Angella Jack on December 19, 2008, the Presbyterian Church said in a statement. It was witnessed by the Synod's general secretary Alvin Seereeram and Nirmala Maharaj, senior legal officer in the Ministry of Education.
"This signing of the interim agreement is reflective of a spirit of compromise which both bodies embraced in the process," the church said in the release. 0"Both parties confirmed their commitment to deepening and strengthening their partnership in the delivery of quality education to the nation's children and those present were happy to be part of an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust and a common desire to secure the welfare and interests of the children of our nation and the country as a whole."
The church said, however, that further negotiations were envisaged for the settling of a final agreement to govern funding arrangements for all Presbyterian primary and secondary schools. The Presbyterian Church and other denominational boards have long complained about the need for government subventions to assist in the building and repairs of schools.
Discussions at the meeting, the church said, focused on the way forward.
"The Government will continue to respond to emergencies to ensure that our nation's schools remain operational and eliminate closures which have had a negative impact on the children and the wider community." It said there would also be consultation between the church and the Education Facilities Company Limited (EFCL) as regards prioritising the building and repairing of schools. "In addition, Presbyterian leaders have given the undertaking that a meeting of all Presbyterian primary and secondary school principals will be called to be part of that prioritisation process," the church added. The church said during the meeting, members were reminded that all schools could not be built or repaired immediately. Instead, officials said consideration would be given to Presbyterian schools "as it will be given to all other schools (Government and denominational) in reference to the availability of resources."