Dear Editor,
I hope the political parties, Critchlow Labour College , trade unions, the media, and other stakeholder bodies will continue to demand that the government engage in equitable distribution of the State’s resources. Many have said it, but it needs to be repeated that the money the government refuses to give to the students of the College is taxpayers’ money.
Mr. Robert Persaud, Minis-ter of Agriculture was a student of the One Year Indus-trial and Social Studies Program. I know, I saw him there. He used this opportunity to improve his education that allowed him entry to the University of Guyana where he read for the Communica-tion degree, which later led to his Master at the University of the West Indies . The opportunity Mr. Persaud now enjoys is largely due to the foundation laid by Critchlow.
Those who follow Mr. Persaud’s political and government growth will accept that the he plays a very significant role in the PPP party and government. Recall his role as President Jagdeo/Office of the President Liaison Officer and GINA, and now Minister of Agriculture. It is also generally felt that Mr. Persaud exercises great influence in the PYO and PPP and media outlets affiliated/associated with the Party. It is also felt he is being groomed for the Presidency.
Mr. Persaud should be asked what was his contribution to that Cabinet meet-ing that took the unjust decision to withdraw taxpayers’ money from the College. He should also tell us if he agrees with the government treatment of his Alma Mater, and, if not, what he plans to do to reverse it.
There have been calls to hear from Mr. Komal Chand, GAWU leader, PPP Central Executive Member and Member of Parliament. To date he has not spoken. His opinion must be solicited and shared with the public. Both Messrs Persaud and Komal Chand are public figures who benefited from Critchlow, are paid by tax dollars and hold influential positions in the PPP party and government. If anyone within the PPP hierarchy can reverse this unjust act, it will be Robert Persaud and/or Komal Chand. Young people and workers must hear from them.
I read the College is seeking ways to survive without the subvention and former students are calling for a scholarship fund. Both are good pursuits. The College needs to pursue the scholarship fund. Additionally while it is good to have the College wean itself off the subvention, the college should continue to pursue the issue of ensuring the subvention is returned. After all, this is tax payers’ money, now unjustly withheld that was given to the College for many decades, to which the students and their parents have and are contributing.
Yours faithfully,
Sonjay Thom
