Teachers from all across the Caribbean were welcomed to Bermuda for the Caribbean Union of Teachers Executive Committee Meeting at the opening ceremony yesterday morning.

Minister of Education, Sports and Recreation Randolph Horton, Minister of Labour and Immigration Derrick Burgess, Bermuda Union of Teachers (BUT) president Keisha Douglas and Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT) president Rauston Job spoke to the room full of teachers and representatives.

Premier Ewart Brown was unavailable to attend due to what Mr. Horton called "pressing Government business".

In his welcome speech, Mr. Horton said: "As a former principal, teacher and now Minister of Education, Sports and Recreation, I stand before you today proud to have been an educator in our public school system and proud to have been chosen by our Premier to serve in shaping the lives of our young people."

The Minister expressed his enthusiasm for the meeting to be taking place in Bermuda and spoke about the importance of public education in Bermuda and around the world.

"If we fail in our mission to improve student achievement, the very viability of our public education system will be in jeopardy," he said.

Newly appointed BUT president Ms Douglas gave a few words in a speech where she welcomed all the guests and said it was a privilege to host such a prestigious event.

"Established in 1919, we are Bermuda's first trade union," she said. "We've helped generations of teachers and students for that matter to learn, grow and realise their dreams. Although we have grown, and now serve 900 members, we have never forgotten our roots."

Referring to himself as a "trade unionist at heart", Mr. Burgess spoke about the importance of the trade union movement in Bermuda, the Caribbean and around the world.

"As we welcome you to Bermuda, we want you to know that the Government of Bermuda deeply values and respects trade unions and, therefore, salutes the Caribbean Union of Teachers for its commitment to the betterment of teachers' lives in the jurisdictions that it represents," he said.

CUT president Mr. Job called Bermuda a slice of paradise.

"We will continue to believe public school is an example of achieving social cohesion and equity in the Caribbean," he said. "We wish to convey our sincere thanks for hosting this meeting."

Reverend Wilbur Lowe opened the event with prayer and the Berkeley Institute Concert Choir sang four songs.

The CUT meeting finishes today.