The Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) has declared an all-out effort to restore critical mental health services for educators after confirming the disruption of the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). TTUTA President Crystal Ashe characterized the service interruption as a “grave injustice” in an official January 7 statement, demanding immediate explanations and corrective action from Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath, the Permanent Secretary, and the Chief Personnel Officer.
Ashe emphasized that EAP access represents a legally protected right under the Collective Agreement rather than a discretionary benefit. The crisis emerged when a secondary school teacher attempting to schedule counseling sessions was unexpectedly informed of a $450 per session charge. Service provider Elder Associates Ltd, typically responsible for delivering these services, declined commentary citing ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Education.
The disruption appears to extend beyond the education sector, with healthcare professionals reporting similar service interruptions. A nurse revealed that while alternative counseling arrangements were available within hospital settings, staff expressed discomfort due to privacy concerns about being observed attending sessions.
TT National Nursing Association president Idi Stuart confirmed receiving reports of service disruptions, though Public Services Association president Felisha Thomas remained unreachable for comment. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo also did not respond to inquiries regarding the widespread service interruption.
An anonymous public servant expressed hope that the situation resulted from contract renegotiations rather than permanent termination, highlighting the critical importance of mental health support particularly given existing social stigmas. The individual shared personal testimony about the program’s vital role during their divorce proceedings, while noting concerning inconsistencies in EAP accessibility across different government ministries, including instances of information withholding and gatekeeping by supervisors.