Dear Editor,
Another May Day, workers’ holiday, has come, and the Critchlow Labour College continues to be denied its subvention by the government. This is a college which ordinary workers, their children and other Guyanese attend. Since its establishment, the Critchlow Labour College has been receiving financial assistance in the form of a subvention from the Guyana government for its day-to-day operations. However, it has been more than five years since the PPP/C administration took a decision to withhold the subvention from the college, a move which has caused it serious operational problems.
It is sad that as we mark another May Day to recognise the contribution of our workers, these workers continue to be denied the benefit of affordable and quality education due to the government’s repressive act. It is unfortunate that the Minister of Education and the Guyana Government cannot recognise the direct relationship between an educated workforce and a progressive nation. Is the government truly concerned about the total well-being of workers and a thriving nation? One would have thought that by now that the government would have worked with the college to ensure that the subvention was restored. However, partisan politics continue to prevail and in the interim the rank and file remain starved of valuable education.
What is also most disgusting is that at a time when the world’s economies are experiencing serious downturns, and in particular the Guyana economy, the President and government are advancing legislation to allow for taxpayers to take care of the President’s every financial need after leaving office. When Guyanese workers are struggling to meet their daily needs the government brings to the parliament the Former Presidents (Benefits and other Facilities) Bill of 2009; what a shame.
In effect this bill is the Bharrat Jagdeo Bill, since he will be the only former President after 2011 when his term ends, at least for a while.
It seems as if Guyana always does the opposite of whatever is happening, progressively speaking, in other parts of the world.
In this period of world economic recession, government executives in many countries are taking pay cuts and giving up on certain amenities, but here the parliament is entertaining a bill for the nation to take care of the President’s total financial expenses when he leaves office.
Of course there are certain benefits that should follow, but the current bill is too all encompassing and certainly being promoted at the wrong time; it is insensitive and unconscionable. It seems as if the Guyanese people will always come last.
On this May Day 2009 I wish every worker good health and strength, and wish the Guyana Trades Union growing unity and progress. I trust that the education subvention will be restored to Critchlow Labour College; the value of education should not be taken for granted.
Yours faithfully,
Lurlene Nestor
