-no cheques issued for textbooks

THE Ministry of Education has strongly refuted allegations circulating on social media regarding its textbook procurement process, calling the claims false and libellous.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and adherence to established procurement procedures in acquiring textbooks for students across Guyana.
According to the Ministry, the selection and purchase of textbooks follow a rigorous process. A Textbook Committee, comprising experienced teachers from across the country, evaluates and selects the most relevant materials based on expert recommendations and guidelines from the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC). Once selections are finalised, procurement begins in accordance with national regulations.

The Ministry emphasised that textbooks are procured directly from publishers or authorised distributors to avoid copyright violations. It highlighted a past incident in 2012 when the government faced legal action from publishers due to copyright breaches. To ensure compliance, the Ministry follows a structured process, including obtaining quotations from publishers, negotiating prices, and seeking approvals from the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) and Cabinet before contracts are awarded and payments are made.
Addressing the opposition’s claims, the Ministry clarified that no payments had been issued for the textbooks mentioned in the alleged reports. It stated that the Minister of Education does not have the authority to authorise payments, and no funds have yet been released by the Ministry of Finance for the procurement process. The Book Distribution Unit had simply sought quotations as part of routine preparations.

The Ministry contrasted its efforts with the previous administration’s record, citing an Auditor General’s report which found that between 2016 and 2019, the former government failed to supply 71 per cent of the textbooks requested by schools, leading to significant shortages. In contrast, the PPP/C government has ensured that all primary and secondary school learners receive textbooks, including materials previously accessible only to private school students. This initiative has contributed to increased placement of public-school students in national schools and improved access to quality education, particularly for hinterland students.

Additionally, the Ministry announced the commencement of workbooks for students to enhance learning and noted that it has developed its own instructional materials for primary-level Mathematics, English, Social Studies, and Science. A comprehensive literacy programme, aimed at ensuring every child can read by Grade 4, is also set to be launched soon.

The Ministry urged political figures and organisations to refrain from politicising education, emphasising that the focus should remain on providing the best possible learning opportunities for Guyana’s children.