Dear Editor,
Guyana is facing an unprecedented crisis that threatens our education system, national security, law enforcement, and governance. The American University of Peace Studies (AUOPS), a self-proclaimed higher education institution, has misrepresented its accreditation status, faculty credentials, and research legitimacy for years—while receiving implicit endorsement from both government and opposition officials.
This is not simply an educational scandal; it is a national security threat, a breach of consumer protection laws, a violation of Guyana’s Accreditation Act, and a potential case of fraud involving public funds.
1. The Legal and Ethical Violations of AUOPS
A. Misrepresentation and Fraudulent Claims (Education Act, Chapter 39:01)
AUOPS has consistently misrepresented its accreditation status, falsely advertising programs in Forensic Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and other health sciences that it is not legally permitted to offer.
According to the National Accreditation Council (NAC) of Guyana, AUOPS is only accredited for two programs:
Diploma in General Psychology
Degree in Psychology
However, AUOPS has falsely claimed accreditation for its Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Diploma programs in Forensic Psychology, Criminal Psychology, and Clinical Psychology.Psychology.
Potential Legal Consequences:
Under the Education Act (Chapter 39:01), misrepresenting educational qualifications and operating without proper accreditation constitutes fraud. The NAC has failed to enforce these regulations, allowing AUOPS to deceive students and public institutions.
B. Violation of the Allied Health Professions Act (Chapter 35:01)
The Allied Health Professions Act mandates that individuals practicing psychology, forensic investigation, or clinical counseling must be licensed and accredited.
AUOPS graduates are illegally employed in law enforcement, judicial investigations, and public service—without meeting legal professional standards.
The Dean of AUOPS, Dr. Nadine Ramsarran, holds a Ph.D. from Atlantic International University (AIU), an unaccredited institution in the U.S.
The President of AUOPS, Dr. Eton Simon, holds degrees from the University of Metaphysics, which openly states that it is not recognized for secular academic purposes.
Potential Legal Consequences:
Any AUOPS graduate currently working in forensic psychology, law enforcement, or clinical practice is operating illegally.
Government institutions (Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force, Judiciary) must immediately review and suspend all AUOPS-trained personnel.
2. National Security Threat: Compromised Law Enforcement and Judicial Systems
A. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Judiciary are Compromised
AUOPS-trained individuals are actively working in criminal investigations, judicial cases, and forensic examinations.
Over 30 police officers have been certified in Forensic Psychology, Criminal Psychology, and Leadership Development.
AUOPS falsely claims to train forensic psychologists—compromising investigations, trials, and expert testimonies.
Judicial officers have been trained at AUOPS, leading to potential misconduct in legal proceedings.
Real-World Consequences:
Criminal cases could be overturned due to unreliable forensic testimony from unqualified AUOPS graduates.
Wrongful convictions or wrongful acquittals could increase.
The integrity of law enforcement in Guyana is at risk.
B. Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Prison System at Risk
AUOPS has trained GDF personnel in leadership and psychology, raising concerns about national defense preparedness.
The Guyana Prison Service has also received training from AUOPS, potentially affecting prison security and rehabilitation programs.
National Security Implication: Guyana is currently engaged in border tensions with Venezuela.
If unqualified AUOPS-trained personnel are making security decisions, it jeopardizes the nation’s safety and stability.
Immediate audits are required to prevent further risk.
3. Financial Corruption and the Questionable Use of Public Funds
The AUOPS scandal is not an isolated case—it is part of a larger pattern of fraudulent educational initiatives that involve public money.
GOAL (Guyana Online Academy of Learning) allocated billions of dollars to international partnerships like Coursera, yet completion rates and job placement remain undisclosed.
GOAL scholarships for Staffordshire University were revealed to be illegitimate, forcing students to abandon their programs.
AUOPS has received government support and funding despite its fraudulent practices.
A. Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act (2009)
The financial dealings of AUOPS must be audited to determine if public funds have been misappropriated.
AUOPS has established multiple ‘research centers’ with no publicly available studies, raising concerns about financial fraud and tax evasion.
The Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) must investigate AUOPS’s financial transactions and its possible connection to public corruption.
4. Fake Research Centers and Misinformation Campaigns
AUOPS has falsely claimed to conduct critical research on national issues, including suicide prevention, crime reduction, and mental health.
Despite launching multiple ‘research centers,’ AUOPS has never published peer-reviewed studies.
The Guyana Supreme Court, Ministry of Health, and Guyana Police Force have collaborated with AUOPSwithout verifying its research legitimacy.
AUOPS’s claims of influencing policy are misleading—no government-validated reports exist.
Government policies based on AUOPS research could be misleading and harmful.
5. Threats and Intimidation Against Whistleblowers
AUOPS and its leadership have actively threatened individuals who expose their fraudulent practices.
The President of AUOPS, Dr. Eton Simon, sent a legal threat against me for questioning their accreditation.
This raises serious concerns about how AUOPS obtained personal data and whether cybercrime laws were violated.
The Cybercrime Unit must investigate AUOPS for potential illegal data collection.
The Ministry of Home Affairs must ensure protection for whistleblowers exposing AUOPS’s fraud.
This is no longer a minor issue—it is a crisis affecting Guyana’s legal system, police force, military, and public education.
Immediate demands for the government and opposition:
– Shut down AUOPS and revoke its accreditation immediately.
– Audit and suspend all AUOPS graduates working in law enforcement, the military, and judicial services.
– Investigate GOAL’s involvement with unaccredited universities and release all financial reports.
– Launch a SOCU investigation into AUOPS’s financial dealings.
– Require all public institutions (GPF, Judiciary, GDF, Ministry of Health) to vet educational partnerships before endorsement.
If the government and opposition fail to act, they are complicit in the destruction of Guyana’s education system and national security.
The people of Guyana deserve transparency, real education, and competent professionals—not fraudulent institutions backed by corruption and secrecy.
Yours truly,
Nakisha Allen
