Next week, approximately 110 Cuban teachers are set to resume their roles in Bahamian classrooms under a revamped hiring system. This change follows U.S. warnings regarding prior recruitment agreements with Havana. The Director of Education, Dominique McCartney-Russell, confirmed that educators with active contracts will return to their positions. However, some will not be coming back due to the expiration of their agreements, as reported by local media.
McCartney-Russell emphasized the importance of these Cuban educators in addressing teaching shortages in various subjects. "We have been committed to ensuring education is accessible to all children, and having these teachers back is a significant relief, though gaps remain," she stated.
The new hiring approach emerged after Washington raised concerns that the previous model—managed through Cuban state agencies—constituted forced labor. Leaked information revealed that the Cuban government withheld most of the salaries paid by the Bahamas, leaving teachers with only a small portion. The U.S. even threatened visa sanctions against Bahamian officials and their families if the practice continued.
In June, Michael Darville, the Minister of Health and Wellness, announced that Cuban professionals would now be hired directly by the Bahamian government, removing intermediaries. As part of this shift, recruitment trips to Cuba were canceled, and efforts to find teachers expanded to the United States, Canada, and retired Bahamian educators.
Despite these changes, there remains a shortage of 30 to 35 teachers in the educational system. The vacancies include eight language teachers, seven technical studies instructors, seven performing arts educators, six early childhood education teachers, three physical education specialists, and six health and family life educators.
Belinda Wilson, President of the Bahamas Teachers Union, criticized the Ministry for canceling recruitment trips to Cuba without prior consultation with the union. According to official data, around 130 Cuban teachers are currently employed in various public schools across the Bahamas.
Implications of the New Hiring System for Cuban Teachers in the Bahamas
Why did the U.S. warn against previous recruitment agreements with Cuba?
The U.S. warned that the past recruitment model, managed through Cuban state agencies, was a form of forced labor as the Cuban government retained most of the salaries paid by the Bahamas.
What changes have been made in the new hiring system for Cuban teachers?
The new system involves the direct hiring of Cuban teachers by the Bahamian government, eliminating intermediaries and recruitment trips to Cuba. Efforts were also made to recruit teachers from the U.S., Canada, and retired Bahamian educators.
What is the current teacher shortage in the Bahamian education system?
There is a shortage of 30 to 35 teachers, with vacancies across various subjects such as language, technical studies, performing arts, early childhood education, physical education, and health and family life education.