In the October 19th edition of the Kaieteur Newspaper, I read that “the Guyana Government has borrowed another US$90 Million from the IDB, which it said will contribute to the human capital development in this country.” The article further stated that “The loan approved by the IDB’s Board of Executive Directors is designed to expand access to safe and improved learning environments and enhance educational services for vulnerable students in Guyana, the IDB said in a press release.”
I am appalled at the audacity of the PPP/C government to borrow US$90 Million, under the pretext of human capital development, while at the same time denying the foundation and pillars in the building of human capital, our teachers, a decent salary, and benefits.
President Ali himself, in a recent union-busting initiative, held a consultation with approximately 200 of the 7,000 teachers currently in the employ of the government. Mr. Ali bypassed the collective bargaining process, which denied the Guyana Teachers Union the opportunity to continue their agitation for a decent salary and increased benefits. GTU has not surrendered or abrogated its obligations to teachers. The Ali regime is apparently unwilling to meet the well thought out and well-articulated demands of GTU, so attempted to hijack the process by meeting with a few teachers. Allegedly, those who attended this charade were issued with prepared scripts and instructed to stick to them. They even appeared to be afraid to let the President know how the high cost of living and ridiculously low salaries are impacting their households.
I call on Mr. Ali and his colleagues in Government to adhere to the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, the rule of law and give due recognition to the GTU, PSU and all elected and legitimate bodies representing employees in Guyana.
I gather too that there is a total breakdown of the structure and systems within the Ministry of Education and the Regions. The gathering spent much time complaining about routine matters including the need for electric fans, water dispensers and other basic necessities for an enabling learning environment. These are normally addressed by designated officers in the ministry/region. Why aren’t the systems within the ministry and region working? Is this why the issues at the Mahdia dormitory were not addressed?
