Amid cries of "We want Turnbull," and placards announcing "Welcome to Prosserville," a small army of teachers led by American Federation of Teachers President Glen Smith marched on Government House Tuesday afternoon.
After a few minutes of chanting by the organized but obviously agitated crowd, Turnbull appeared in the doorway and came down to the street to address the assembly. He waited patiently while cries of "veto" subsided.
Smith asked him what he was going to do about the Prosser bill, which the Legislature passed on an 8-7 vote early Saturday morning.
Holding up the bill, Turnbull announced, "It just arrived at 3:25 p.m." He continued, "First I will check the bill's constitutionality. I will not do anything that is not in the territory's best interest. I will consult my heart as well as my brain."
Several members of the group pointed out to Turnbull that if Prosser gets his tax breaks, it would open the way for all telecommunications concerns to receive the same treatment. Turnbull said he was aware of that concern.
Prosser wasn't the only cause on the teachers' agenda. "Step" raises, which have been due since 1994, were also addressed.
According to Randy Shaw, AFT executive board member and Joseph Gomez teacher, these raises, which are supposed to be "automatic" after teachers reach a certain level, have never been given. This is apart from the retroactive raises.
Raises for the government's commissioners came up next. Turnbull addressed what he termed "the confusion." He declared that he had the power of Executive Order to issue raises and that he was doing some "adjusting" to inequities he perceived.
"However, no commissioners are getting a raise -– that rumor is not true," he said.
Referring back to the teachers' raises (as well as commissioners'), he said, "When the government's financial crisis is over, we will all get raises." This was met with some smiles and a lot of frowns.
Elroy Roumo of the Police Benevolent Association was an enthusiastic participant in the event, declaring, "It is my duty to support all our union brothers in seeing that justice is done."
Turnbull excused himself, saying he had to prepare a statement for the press in answer to the bill.
The teachers then proceeded to the Legislature, where an African Liberation Day celebration was in progress. Smith gathered the group together across the street from the Legislature and announced that they would "enter the Legislature grounds and hold a silent protest for about 15 minutes."
This they did, ending a busy afternoon which Smith said was "just one step."