PHILIPSBURG:--- Despite public assurances, Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs has not delivered on the government’s promise to transfer funds for the 2025 vacation allowances and indexation to subsidized schools. Teachers who were told they would receive the same treatment as their counterparts in public schools are still left waiting, as the funds remain undisbursed.
Government Yet to Fulfill Commitment
Contrary to previous announcements, the Ministry of Finance has not released the necessary funds to subsidized schools. Without these transfers, teachers are left in limbo and unable to receive the vacation allowances that were promised. The pledge of equal treatment across the education sector remains unfulfilled in practice.
Teachers, school boards, and staff continue to expect the government to honor its obligation. The delay has led to mounting frustration among educators who had counted on these funds.
Impact on Teachers
With no payment made, not a single subsidized school has been able to proceed with disbursement to its staff. Instead of the expected relief, teachers are experiencing increased financial strain and growing uncertainty about when, or if, they will receive the allowances and indexation owed to them.
This situation has fostered distrust and disillusionment among teachers, who feel overlooked despite government promises to support their work.
Calls for Transparency and Immediate Action
Minister Gumbs had previously urged other parties to act quickly, but the responsibility still lies with the Ministry of Finance to initiate the process by making the payment. Without the release of funds, teachers remain empty-handed and the government’s assurances ring hollow.
With the continued delay, calls are growing louder for transparent communication and concrete action. Teachers and their representatives are demanding answers and a clear timeline for when the necessary payments will be processed.
Uncertain Outlook for 2025 Indexation
The promised 2% indexation for 2025, retroactive to January 1, was expected to be included in the July payroll. However, with no payment yet made, doubts are rising about whether this adjustment will arrive on schedule—or at all.
Restoring Trust
The Ministry of Finance’s commitment to equity and transparency is now under scrutiny. Teachers and school staff are looking to the government to make good on its word and bring an end to the uncertainty.
Until Minister Gumbs and the Ministry of Finance take decisive steps to fulfill these unkept promises, teachers will continue to wait—hoping that words will finally turn into action.
