Coretta McDonald, a prominent member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) and long-serving educator, has been elected President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) following the union’s Triennial Elections for the 2025–2028 term.

The ballot counting exercise concluded on Monday evening at the GTU Headquarters on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, officially confirming McDonald’s leadership. She was the sole nominee for the presidency and will continue to play a central role in representing the interests of teachers nationwide.

Joining McDonald in the new executive are Mariska Williams as First Vice President and Karl Vanier as Second Vice President. Other key positions include Collis Nicholson as General Secretary, Heathcliff Peters as Deputy General Secretary, and Rarlene Phillips as Treasurer. Regional Vice Presidents were also named for Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo, reflecting a broad-based leadership team.

McDonald’s election comes after a period of legal and internal union challenges. Earlier this year, she successfully defended her right to simultaneously serve as a Member of Parliament and union leader, with the High Court affirming that the GTU constitution does not bar an active teacher from holding both roles. This legal victory paved the way for her unopposed candidacy and subsequent election.

In her campaign, McDonald pledged to restore teachers’ dignity, secure better working conditions, and advocate for higher salaries. She has also outlined plans to modernize the union’s constitution, overhaul the dues remittance system, and improve the union’s financial health. Her leadership is expected to focus on rebuilding trust within the union and ensuring that teachers’ voices are heard at all levels.

The new executive will serve until 2028, as the GTU continues its work to advance the welfare and professional standing of Guyana’s educators.