Dear Editor,

THE APNU+AFC Coalition’s reaction to the government’s commendable achievement of providing over 20,000 scholarships, with ongoing efforts to surpass that number, reveals a deep-seated unease.

It is from this point of view its claim that the 2024 budgetary allocation for GOAL is going to someone close to the PPP/C government must be viewed.

Under the PPP/C administration, more than 21,000 Guyanese have benefitted from scholarships through initiatives such as GOAL, with an additional 400+ individuals receiving scholarships via the Public Service Ministry.

In contrast, the APNU+AFC Coalition’s record on the issuance of scholarships is appalling.

Examining the track record of the former government, it becomes evident that their scholarship distribution was marred by favouritism and nepotism.

Demerara Waves reported on December 14, 2016, (https://demerarawaves.com/2016/12/14/million-spent-on-fully-funded-scholarships-for-govt-ministers-others-close-to-apnuafc/) that several ministers and other persons close to the coalition were given scholarships worth tens of millions of dollars. The list extended to include the children of ministers and government MPs.

The stark contrast between the PPP/C’s inclusive and merit-based scholarship initiatives and the PNC/APNU/AFC’s questionable practices highlights the need for a transparent and equitable approach to educational opportunities in Guyana.

The Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton, should answer for the Coalition’s track record on scholarships during the 2015-2020 period.

Sincerely,
Brian Azore