In a groundbreaking advancement for Grenada’s educational landscape, the T A Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) and the Grenada Union of Teachers (GUT) have established their inaugural collective bargaining agreement. The pivotal signing ceremony occurred on December 24, 2025, creating a specialized negotiation framework exclusively for college lecturers for the first time in the institution’s history.
This tripartite agreement, effective from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028, signifies a transformative moment in recognizing faculty rights, working conditions, and professional status. The negotiated package comprises two fundamental documents: “The Terms and Conditions of Employment for Faculty in the Bargaining Unit” and “The Wages for GUT Membership of Faculty Employed by TAMCC.” These comprehensive agreements delineate detailed salary scales, supplementary benefits, and employment terms applicable to academic staff throughout the designated period.
The ceremonial proceedings were attended by distinguished representatives from both institutions. TAMCC’s delegation included Dr. Wendy Grenade, Chairperson of the College Council, and Council Member Samantha Antoine-Purcell. The teachers’ union was represented by President General Jude Bartholomew and General Secretary Melissa St Rose. Adding national significance to the event, Grenada’s Labour Commissioner Sparkle Grenade-Courtney witnessed the formal signing, emphasizing the agreement’s importance within the country’s education sector.
College authorities attributed the successful negotiation outcome to constructive dialogue and mutual dedication between both parties. Special recognition was extended to Dr. John Telesford, TAMCC’s Deputy Principal, for his instrumental role in developing the benefits package, and Learie Barry, College Council member, for his contributions to the wage structure formulation. The Cabinet and Government of Grenada received acknowledgment for their steadfast support in facilitating the agreement’s completion and implementation.
This pioneering accord establishes a positive benchmark for collective bargaining practices throughout Grenada. Beyond providing clarity and structure for lecturer benefits, it reinforces TAMCC’s dedication to cultivating an equitable, transparent, and supportive professional environment for its academic workforce. The institution projects that this framework will enhance productivity, strengthen accountability, and deliver measurable value across college operations as faculty members gain empowerment to perform at their optimal professional capacity.
Through this collaborative mechanism, TAMCC advances its fundamental mission of academic excellence, robust governance, and sustainable development while promoting industrial harmony and consolidating its position as Grenada’s premier tertiary education provider.