Dear Editor;

It is with irritation and frustration that I am writing this letter. I am a qualified business education teacher with a Master's Degree in technology education and 10 years teaching experience. I just recently left the private sector to enter the public education system in September 2006. As of today, I have not been issued a letter of employment and neither have I been paid a salary.

How is it that in the 21st Century it is taking the Ministry of Education so long to get their salary sheet in order? I have worked in the private education system in The Bahamas and in the United States and I have never experienced this echelon of inefficiency.

On the October 30, I spoke with Minister Sears while he was at Jack Hayward High School. At the time I spoke to him regarding the lack of functional computers, issues in the computer labs and my financial dilemma. Addition-ally, I also introduced him to a fellow colleague who was also frustrated about not receiving a salary since employment began.

Sears expressed deep regret about the situation and he mentioned that clearance had been received from the Cabinet for the issuance of emergency funds to pay teachers. He further promised that by the following week all new teachers in the system would be paid a salary. His assurance gave me a measure of hope and relief that I would finally be duly compensated.

Firstly, the week has come and gone and to date all I have received is promises from the Ministry of Education, Freeport Office. Secondly, last week a MOE official told me that when and if the salaries are paid that all new employees would be paid on a base of $17,200.00 until his or her papers are assessed. At the time when I submitted my credentials, a Ministry official verified all of my original documents. Thus I am both confused and perplexed as to why the Ministry is so backward and efficiency is not the order of the day. My mode of conduct is excellence and so is my professionalism and I expect the same from the Ministry of Education.

As an employee, I am expected to report for work everyday, prepared to teach and perform all the terms of employment. I am also expected to bear with the Ministry and wait for them to pay me at their convenience; while bearing the burden of not being able to meet my financial obligations. Imag-ine going to the food store or the gas station without money. I would be perceived as "crazy" or "over-the-edge." Why is it that a teacher has to fight to get paid? I earn my salary and I deserve to get paid.

I want to contribute towards building a better Bahamas that is why I have chose to enter this profession. I love teaching and I am an educator at heart; that is why I am fighting for what is right. If education is valued in The Bahamas, then I must be valuable to the system and hence I deserve the right to be compensated on a timely basis for the service that I provide. It is no wonder that many excellent teachers leave the profession to seek higher salaries, better working conditions and humane and professional treatment.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Kayla Bullard

Computer Teacher

Jack Hayward High