Gov’t education voucher proposal raises questions

By Mark DaCosta- In a move that underscores the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) regime’s firm stance against raising teachers’ wages, the Government of Guyana has proposed a new initiative to provide substantial vouchers for parents to send their children to private schools. This decision, announced amidst a prolonged strike over salary negotiations, highlights the growing tension between the Government and the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU).

During a recent press conference at the Office of the President, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo disclosed the details of this voucher proposal. Jagdeo emphasised claims of government’s concern over the learning losses in the public education sector due to the ongoing teachers’ strike, describing the situation as “unreasonable.” To mitigate these effects – Jagdeo said – the government is exploring various models for the future of education in Guyana.

One model being considered is the provision of GY$700,000 vouchers to parents, allowing them to cover private school fees for their children. Jagdeo explained the PPP’S rationale behind this initiative: “If we are spending $700,000 now per child and it costs $300,000 to pay for the school fees for the child, we might as well give in some areas the parents the $700,000 per child and let them pay for the school kids.” 

In addition to the voucher system, the government, is reportedly contemplating an “E-school model” that would offer online learning as an alternative to traditional classroom education. Jagdeo stressed the importance of maintaining high educational standards regardless of the format, stating, “Maybe in the future, if we have a proper school model, then parents can choose that rather than physical school.

While these proposals are being developed, the GTU strike continues to bring significant challenges to the public education system. The strike, which initially began on February 5, and lasted 29 days, resumed on May 9 after negotiations broke down. The union is demanding fair wages and improved working conditions for teachers. GTU President Dr. Mark Lyte has been a vocal advocate for the teachers’ cause, emphasising the need for a satisfactory resolution to their grievances.

Lyte expressed his frustration with the government’s approach, stating, “My concern as leader of the Teachers’ Union is that we are unable to survive on the package that we currently have…The union won’t compromise further. Our position remains the same. We will continue to have our voices raised.” The GTU has also criticised the government’s refusal to negotiate salaries retroactively from 2019 to 2023, insisting on a new multi-year agreement from 2022 to 2025.

The strike’s resumption in May followed a period of halted action after the union filed a court case against the government’s decision to slash the salaries of striking teachers and discontinue union dues deductions. Despite returning to work temporarily, the teachers have resumed their strike, underscoring the union’s determination to secure better pay and working conditions. Lyte highlighted the union’s patience, stating, “Because of the absence of collective bargaining, on the part of the government, [we have to take strike action].

The government’s voucher proposal has sparked significant debate and criticism. Observers argue that this initiative demonstrates the availability of funds to address educational needs and that similar resources could be directed toward improving teachers’ salaries. Critics contend that the PPP regime’s refusal to engage meaningfully with the GTU and enhance teachers’ wages reflects a broader pattern of disregard for educators’ contributions to the nation’s development.

As negotiations between the GTU and the Labour Ministry are set to reconvene, the strike continues to impact the education sector. The government’s proposals raise critical questions about resource allocation and the recognition of teachers’ vital role in shaping Guyana’s future. It appears that the PPP is absolutely determined not to give teachers their due.