Education Minister Clarifies Foreign Teacher Recruitment

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Earlier this week, the educational community voiced concerns after it was revealed that the Ministry of Education was bringing in 300 teachers from Ghana to fill vacancies in the public school system.

It left many questioning whether local educators were being overlooked.

However, during a press conference on Thursday, Education Minister Chester Cooper moved to clear the air.

He explains that the figure of 300 represents the country’s total teacher shortage, not the number of Ghanaian teachers being recruited.

Then as for concerns that the union was left out of the process, Cooper says that’s not the case.

Chester Cooper – Minster of Education

“They gave their suggestions. We’ve incorporated their suggestions in our work, and we are determined to resolve the issue working hand in hand with them.”

The minister also stressed that Bahamians remain at the heart of the recruitment drive.

He also says the ministry is currently working to hire between 60 and 100 Bahamians, including retirees and recent graduates.

Chester Cooper – Minster of Education

“We are in the process of enlisting at the moment between 60 and 100 Bahamians, many of whom are recent graduates, but some of whom were not in the profession and want to return.”

Cooper also addressed unpaid salaries and allowances.

Chester Cooper – Minster of Education

“We already have an industrial agreement with BECWU, and we are approaching what I believe are the final stages of negotiations with B.U.T.”

While the ministry says recruiting teachers from overseas may help ease immediate pressures, officials insist the long-term goal is to build a more robust teacher pool.