WPA Condemns GOAL Scandal, Racial Remarks by PPP MP, Calls for Immediate Audit

The Working People’s Alliance (WPA) has vehemently condemned the government’s handling of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme, labeling the initiative as a politically driven farce rather than a legitimate effort to improve tertiary education. In a scathing statement, the WPA expressed its disappointment and disillusionment with the apparent lack of oversight, planning, and transparency surrounding the project, further highlighting what it described as a series of grave mismanagement issues.

From the onset, the WPA had voiced concerns about the GOAL programme, suspecting that it was more about political optics than educational advancement. “Like all major initiatives undertaken by this government, the WPA is not aware of any due diligence or pilot study that was conducted before the implementation of the project,” the statement reads, underlining the government’s disregard for proper planning and strategic implementation.

One of the most egregious revelations, according to the WPA, is the government’s questionable relationship, or complete lack thereof, with Staffordshire University. The party labeled this as “nothing short of scandalous,” adding that it was consistent with the government’s pattern of mismanaging major national projects. The absence of any substantive academic partnership, the WPA contends, is a blatant example of the government’s penchant for political showmanship rather than substance.

The WPA also questioned why such a critical initiative, which purportedly aims to upgrade tertiary education, was not managed through the University of Guyana, a well-established institution with the capacity and reputation to oversee such a programme.  “The government has yet to provide any plausible explanation as to why this initiative bypassed the University of Guyana,” the WPA remarked, further emphasising the project’s questionable motives.

The GOAL programme, which is headed by the Professor Professor Jacob Opadeyi, has been surrounded by controversy, particularly regarding its execution and the transparency of its operations. In light of these alarming developments, the WPA has joined other calls for an immediate audit of the programme.

However, the party has taken this demand a step further, calling for a complete reassessment of the project to ensure that it aligns with best practices in the delivery of virtual tertiary education. The WPA expressed concerns that, given the lack of transparency and the mismanagement that has already come to light, more scandals could be uncovered.

In a separate matter, the WPA also condemned the recent racially charged remarks made by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament Sanjeev Datadin during the March 5, 2025, edition of the Freddie Kissoon online programme. Datadin’s comments, which suggested that African Guyanese youth represented “fertile ground” for political manipulation and characterised them as “unlettered” and unwilling to pursue education or work, were met with strong rebuke from the WPA.

Describing the statements as “repugnant and racist,” the WPA accused Datadin of fueling a narrative that sought to divide the nation and undermine the integrity of national cohesion. The party further criticised the PPP for perpetuating a mindset of control and domination, which, according to the WPA, runs counter to the values of equality and unity that the country should uphold.

The WPA’s twin criticisms of the GOAL scandal and the PPP MP’s racist comments reflect deepening frustration with the current government’s leadership. As the party continues to call for reform, transparency, and accountability, it is clear that the opposition is prepared to confront the government on multiple fronts, with the aim of holding those in power accountable for their actions.