At close of November Session of Parliament: Cavaye warns gov’t against insensitivity to teachers’ plights.

This was the substance of a speech the House Speaker delivered during the closing plenary sitting marking the end of the November Session of Parliament, on Saturday December 9. 

Hon Cavaye said the demands of teachers of Basic and Secondary Education, must be taken seriously and solutions provided, in order to avoid threats of strike actions going out of hand. 

The Speaker said: “Authorities cannot remain insensitive to the plight of teachers”.

He also called on government to be foresighted to wade off any eventual threat to tranquility of nation as the education sector remains fundamental in the country’s growth and nation building.  

“I am also appealing to government’s perspicacity and to its sense of the public service. It is proper for government to show proof of foresight. Do we not usually say, to govern is to plan ahead of time?” Cavaye questioned.

“Due to the sensitive nature and importance of the education sector and the fact that school establishments cut across the national territory, sometimes in the most remote areas of the country, I ardently hope that government would process teachers’ files with celerity and within reasonable deadlines,” the House speaker sounded.

He also called on teachers not to allow themselves to be used by some politicians seeking to maintain the status quo, despite efforts made already by the state.

“I wish to exhort you to be on the alert in order not to be snared by demagogic politicians and troublemakers who have been constantly urging teachers to harden their stance in disregard of the significant progress made in negotiations which are still afoot,” he appealed, adding that “taking advantage of the situation in such a way is unacceptable”. 

Condemns separatist attacks in West Region

The recent attack in Bamenyam, a village in the West Region, perpetrated by suspected separatist fighters from the North West Region, also attracted condemnation from the House Speaker.

Hon Cavaye, on behalf of members of the National Assembly, extended heartfelt condolences to all the families who lost their loved ones in the attack that claimed lives in Noun Division. 

While wishing a speedy recovery to all the injured victims of the attack, the House Speaker led the MPs to observe a minute of silence in memory of the fallen compatriots killed in the attack.

Eight bills adopted 

As the Third Ordinary Session of the House Chamber for the 2023 legislative year which began on November 10, ended December 9, it was revealed that a total of eight bills were scrutinised and adopted at the end of deliberations by MPs. 

While waiting for the promulgation into law of the eight draft laws by the President of the Republic, the House Speaker underlined the importance of the Finance Bill for the 2024 Financial Year. 

The bill estimates Cameroon’s state budget for 2024, balanced in revenue and expenditure, at 6,741 billion FCFA. He also commended the MPs for their dedication to service and sense of sacrifice for the supreme interest of the Cameroonian people.