Dear Editor,

We, former students of Critchlow Labour College (CLC) have been following the news of the government’s refusal to give CLC its subvention. By now we were hoping the government would have realised its mistake and released the subvention.

Minister Baksh’s statement about withholding the subvention until there is trade union unity is regrettable. Critchlow Labour College has made a difference in our lives. We are using this opportunity to share what the college has done for us and let the minister know we are very disappointed with his decision.

We were not outstanding students at high school. The College gave us the opportunity to do the one year, CXC and professional programmes. We have acquired lasting friendships and skills that have made us marketable. Some of us are attending university and college. We are employed and self-employed. All of us are productive citizens contributing to nation-building.

The government should revisit its position and give the bollege its subvention. Let the college provide education for students who need it and remain free of petty party politics.

Education makes a nation! The nation needs Critchlow.

Yours faithfully,

Veronica Anthony , Fiona Lake, Allison Dunbar, Shabana Alli , Timothy Layne, John Tiwari, Marilyn Bradford, Cheryl Thomas and Sherlock Gomes