Dear Editor,
In this election season, many Guyanese primarily the youth population, will be bombarded by many promises at political rallies hosted by the current regime.
As it relates to the abolition of tuitions and tertiary education, our young people must be directed and guided by Article 27, paragraph 1, of Guyana’s Constitution which states that every citizen has the right to free education from nursery to university, as well as at non-formal places where opportunities for education and training are provided.
Contextually our youths being beneficiaries of free tertiary education is not a campaign promise as what is promulgated but rather a constitutional mandate and entitlement to every citizen.
Our youths must be reminded that during the year 1976 under the auspices of the People’s National Congress (PNC) later (Reform) free tertiary education was in effect until the late 1990’s when the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) assumed office, where tuition fees were introduced.
Years later President Irfaan Ali on October 10, 2024 announced in Parliament that from January, 2025 tuition fees will be abolished at the University of Guyana.
While this has come into fruition, where myself and many University students can finally breathe a sigh of relief, our youths must not be carried away by this “relief measure taken by the state” as it should have been implemented from the time they (the PPP) took over in 2020.
Our Youths must be guided by the veracity of who implemented free tertiary education and not offer commendation for a measure that is a constitutional mandate and is enshrined in our law.
To this end, I urge fellow Guyanese to be witty and not be lured into the political optics and cajolery by the incumbent administration, be wise.
Regards,
A.Dey
Concerned Citizen
