Mentors in primary schools have noticed the position taken by the GTU and GHTU on promotion and they find it quite strange. Both unions appear to disagree with the proposal of promotion to the inspector grade and their stand should be clarified and explained. All unions must have noted the scheme of service of the proposed grade before giving the green light to the authorities. It is clear that the grade above the mentor grade is that of inspector. It is difficult to understand why the GTU is opposing this promotion after approving the creation of the post and its scheme of service. It did not object to this promotion but instead its president protested that there was delay in filling the post.

It has been noted that the post of mentor has not served its purpose - to advise and guide teachers on pedagogical matters. The ministry has proposed to use them in the inspectorate prior to their promotion to inspector grade. The obvious strategy of the GTU is to blame through cheap demagogy. At the same time, some people decided not to apply for the post preferring to work and be posted in star schools where they could earn money through private tuition. Other people did not compete because they knew they stood no chance as competition was tough. These same people scream from all roof-tops laying the blame on those who have succeeded and been promoted. Some union leaders don?t know what they are talking about. Mentors have nothing to do with the DHT grade and we have nothing to gain or lose with or without seniority but what astounds us is to see that some people are using us and linking us with seniority as an excuse for purely electoral purposes. Fortunately, teachers understand their gimmicks and can draw their own conclusions.

<B>Mentor</B>