The No VAT on Education Movement comprising parents and students in the private education system, says it is continuing to advocate its case for the Government to remove VAT on private education.
In a press release today, it said that over the last few days, a delegation from the group attended meetings with Alliance for Change (AFC) General Secretary, Marlon Williams, and separately with the Leader of the Opposition and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo.
At the meeting with the AFC GS, the group said that it expressed strong objection to the VAT decision, seemingly supported by the junior party in the governing coalition.
“We advised Mr. Williams that heavy pressures are being faced by many parents, who like his party are seeking to give their children the ‘Good Life’ as is promised by the Government. We reiterated that education is a constitutional right guaranteed to every citizen of Guyana and that this right is being violated through the imposition of VAT on education. After hearing from us, Mr. Williams expressed his support (behind the scenes) for our struggle, and urged us not to become daunted or despondent in the face of the obstacles being placed in our way”, the release from the No VAT group said.
During the interaction with the Leader of the Opposition, the group said it explained the plight faced by my many parents and students.
“Mr. Jagdeo assured that he and the entire PPP are in support of our call and struggle. He also advised us that a Motion will be moved in the National Assembly, possibly at the next sitting, calling upon the Administration to remove VAT on education.
“We will be closely following the developments on this front, especially in light of our meetings with the AFC and their pronouncements in the media”, the group said.
It vowed to continue its weekly protests.
