By LEDEDRA MARCHE

Senior FN Reporter

lededra@nasguard.com

"It's there," exclaimed one teacher yesterday after realizing government made good on its promise to release an $1,800 lump-sum payment to the 3,500 public school teachers.

In fact, the payout came a day early and was not expected until today.

Government and the Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) finally agreed on a new contract earlier this month after months of intense negotiations.

It was the first document signed by the two parties since the execution of a Recognition Agreement of 1965 and includes a liberal salary increase amounting to $20.5 million over five years.

The contract also makes provisions for a number of concessions and allowance increases, particularly for heads of departments and coaching allowances.

While a final signing for a new industrial contract is expected to be concluded soon, government has begun the pay-out process.

With over 500 members in Grand Bahama, Area Vice President for Grand Bahama Rudy Sands told The Freeport News yesterday he had confirmed the money was in the bank.

He said that after speaking with several of the members they were pleased that government did deliver, noting that the teachers are excited and relieved.

"They have been saying that it is so nice that this money has come at this time and the government and the union were able come together and get this money in time," said Sands.

The union executive explained that the money has come during summer break when the teachers really need their money.

There were, however, some concerns on July 27, when pay day came, and the money was not there. Some phoned into the union office to inquire.

But Sands pointed out that the union did make it known that the funds would be paid on July 31.

Teachers meet again during orientation week at the end of August and Sands says he is relieved that now the union and the educational system in Grand Bahama can move forward.

"I believe it augers well for the community, as well as the teaching profession that we were able to reach this agreement at this time," he stated.

Sands says he is also hopeful that as both the Ministry of Education and the BUT move to the coming school year, they can avoid a lot of the pitfalls which they experienced last year.

With a new partnership now forged with the ministry the area vice president is optimistic schools will be properly prepared, staffing requirements are available and schools open fluently without overrun debris on the premises and teacher and furniture shortages.

One Eight Mile Rock High teacher said yesterday she was confident government would honour its word, despite skepticism from some.

"A lot of people have been banking on this for sometime," she said.

Another plus, she revealed, is the fact that now the Teachers Credit Union is offering three times the government lump sum payout and offering a $5,400 loan once the teachers bring the $1,800 to them.

So now, the teacher admits, she is trying to figure out what to do best with some of the funds and has allotted the other portion to bills.

"I have two children in school so there is going to be some back-to-school spending," she added.

One Jack Hayward teacher said he, too, never doubted they would be paid. The money has come at a good time and was also pleased with how the negotiation process turned out.

"I felt that government would have shown more compassion if they had listened more to what the teachers said and try to work along rather than resisting the whole process for a period of time," he said.

Maurice Moore Primary teacher and BUT shop steward for Grand Bahama Wesley Dorsett said he had fielded several phone calls yesterday from teachers attesting to the money being on their accounts.

"Some of the banks had already deducted whatever was owed them and I feel that wasn't fair," he stated. "If they sign a (contract) for their monthly salary (to be deducted), I don't think that the bank should touch that."

BUT President Ida Poitier-Turnquest revealed earlier this month that some guidance counsellors and senior education officers, who are also a part of the bargaining unit, had already received a $700 payment, the same time the Bahamas Public Service Union did back in December.

Those individuals will be paid the difference.

The bargaining unit is inclusive of educational officers, guidance counsellors, administrators and all of the teachers.

In September, $200 will be added to the teachers' base salary. In year four, there will be an additional $125 tagged on to their base and in year five, the educators will receive an $800 lump sum one time payment.