The Bahamas is grappling with an unprecedented wave of teacher resignations as approximately 40 educators have left their positions just before the start of the new academic year. Belinda Wilson, President of the Bahamas Union of Teachers, highlighted that this figure is significantly higher than usual and underscores systemic issues within the education sector. Education Director Dominique McCartney Russell recently confirmed the resignations, though Wilson criticized the ministry for its lack of preparedness. She emphasized that teachers typically submit resignation notices months in advance, making the situation predictable. Wilson described the ministry’s response as disingenuous, stating, ‘It was really disingenuous, actually, if the director gave the impression like, oops, we woke up this morning and these persons would have resigned.’ The resignations include both novice teachers with as little as four years of experience and seasoned educators with over 25 years of service. Reasons for leaving vary: non-Bahamian teachers departed due to expired contracts, while Bahamian teachers cited low morale, frustration, and a sense of disrespect. Others transitioned to new careers, joined family businesses, or took time off for personal reasons. Wilson lamented the ministry’s failure to engage with departing teachers, stating, ‘What is also sad too, it seems as though education did not take the time to even ask these individuals, why are you leaving?’ The staffing shortage could severely impact hundreds of students, with Wilson estimating that 40 teaching periods per week could go unstaffed, affecting up to 500 students. This disruption could hinder student performance in critical exams like BJC and BGCSE, further exacerbating the crisis.
‘Ministry should not have been caught off guard over 40 teachers’ resignations’
