Education Minister Shaik Baksh has reported that a new Accreditation Board has been appointed, replacing the former officer holders whose tenure recently ended.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Baksh pointed out that the new board members will be meeting shortly to iron out a work programme to fulfill the requirements of the Accreditation Act approved in 2006.

He also said his ministry is in the process of identifying and appointing an executive director to the Accreditation Council, along with support staff.

The minister explained that the board is tasked with carrying out the stipulations of the Act which entails accrediting the curriculum of private post-secondary education institutions.

He said persons desirous of establishing a medical or nursing school will have to first obtain a permit from the accreditation council.

Baksh underlined that private nursery, primary and secondary schools will not be covered by the Accreditation Act, as these fall directly under the Ministry of Education and will be regulated by the new Education Bill currently before the Attorney General’s Chambers.

That legislation, which covers a wide range of issues including corporal punishment, will mandate that all private schools at the secondary level and below, obtain a licence to operate.

These schools will have to satisfy certain criteria, notably a satisfactory work programme, recreational facilities and enough space to avoid over-crowding, before being issued a licence.

In addition, the school administrators will have to comply with his ministry’s non-academic standards.

Baksh is hoping that the new Education Bill will be tabled in the National Assembly this year.