The Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) in September 19, formally withdrew its application for warrants of committal and contempt proceedings against several central and regional government officials. The union had accused these officials of failing to comply with Justice Sandil Kissoon’s April 19, 2024, ruling and subsequent orders.
Together with the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), the GTU had sought legal action against Attorney General Anil Nandlall, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, and other government representatives at both national and regional levels. They were accused of refusing to deduct union dues from teachers’ salaries and remit those funds to the GTU, in direct defiance of the court’s decision.
Justice Kissoon, in his April 19, 2024 judgment, had underscored that while teachers have a legitimate right to strike, the exercise of this right does not automatically translate to a “no work, no pay” policy.
The government, however, maintained its position throughout the more than month-long strike, insisting that striking teachers would not be paid and that the long-standing practice of deducting and transferring union dues to the GTU would be discontinued.
Regarding government’s intent to cease deductions, Justice Kissoon said he found the decision unconstitutional. Such a decision is grounded in bad faith and has to be struck down, he said.
On September 12, 2025, the Attorney General filed a Notice of Application to strike out the contempt of Court proceedings on a number of technical grounds including the failure to follow mandatory procedures to serve the contempt applications on the alleged contemnors personally.
He also argued that the proceedings were statute-barred pursuant to section 16 of the Contempt of Court Act, as the Application was made more than one year after the time of the alleged contempt and that the contempt of Court proceedings cannot be instituted against the State unless there is compliance with certain provisions contained in the State Liability and Proceedings Act.
At the hearing of this Application, an oral request was made for Justice Sandil Kissoon to recuse himself from these contempt proceedings, as the subject judgment was handed down by him previously. The Justice acceded to this request and adjourned the hearing pending the reassignment of the matter by the Chief Justice.
Subsequently, the Attorney General was served with a notice withdrawing and discontinuing the contempt proceedings altogether.
The Attorney General in these proceedings appeared in person along with Darshan Ramdhani KC, Shoshanna V. Lall – Deputy Solicitor General, Ronetta Prince – Principal Legal Advisor, Omar Hoppie and Ron Austin – State Counsel for the Respondent.
