The Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) has withdrawn its contempt of court application against senior government officials, ending proceedings that alleged non-compliance with a 2024 High Court ruling concerning teachers’ rights.
On September 19, 2025, the GTU formally filed notice discontinuing the action, which had been lodged on August 26.
The application sought committal warrants against Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Mohabir Anil Nandlall SC MP, Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education Shannielle Hoosein-Outar, and four Regional Executive Officers from Regions Two, Four, Five, and Six.
The legal action stemmed from a judgment delivered on April 19, 2024, by Justice Sandil Kissoon. The union had alleged that government officials failed to comply with the court’s orders following that ruling, which addressed matters concerning striking teachers.
On September 12, the Attorney General moved to strike out the contempt proceedings on procedural and legal grounds.
The State’s legal team argued that the union failed to follow mandatory procedures, including personal service of the contempt applications on the named officials.
They also contended that the matter was statute-barred under Section 16 of the Contempt of Court Act, as the application was filed more than a year after the alleged breach.
Additionally, the Attorney General argued that contempt proceedings cannot be instituted against the State without compliance with provisions of the State Liability and Proceedings Act.
During the hearing, the State requested that Justice Kissoon recuse himself, citing that he had issued the original judgment under dispute. Justice Kissoon agreed, and the matter was adjourned pending reassignment by the Chief Justice.
Following this, the GTU formally withdrew and discontinued the proceedings. No public explanation was provided by the union for its decision.
The Attorney General appeared in person, supported by King’s Counsel Darshan Ramdhani, Deputy Solicitor General Shoshanna V. Lall, Principal Legal Advisor Ronetta Prince, and State Counsel Omar Hoppie and Ron Austin.
While the withdrawal removes the immediate threat of committal for senior officials, wider disputes between the GTU and the government remain unresolved. Issues concerning teachers’ salaries, working conditions, and collective bargaining continue to be points of contention after months of industrial action earlier this year.
