MINISTER of Education, Sonia Parag, has defended remarks made during the 2026 Budget debate, saying they were rooted in accountability and transparency, not political motivation, as she responded to criticism from the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU).
In a statement on Saturday responding to the GTU’s press release on her contribution to the 2026 Budget debate, Parag said she had “taken note” of the union’s concerns but stressed that “no breach of confidential or sensitive information occurred at any point” during her presentation.
“I wish to clarify that no breach of confidential or sensitive information occurred at any point during my contribution to the Parliamentary Budget Debate,” the minister stated.
The clarification follows comments made during Tuesday’s debate, when Parag called on Opposition Member of Parliament Gordon Barker to “lead by example” after detailing his record of repeated lateness while employed as a teacher.
Barker, a representative of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) and a teacher by profession, had used his maiden contribution to the Budget 2026 debate to criticise the quality of education delivery, arguing that educators lacked sufficient incentives and resources.
Responding in the House, Minister Parag said that while the Opposition MP spoke extensively about education policy, he failed to address his own professional record. She then listed several instances of lateness during the month of September along with the longest period being 45 mins late.
In her subsequent response to the GTU, Parag emphasised that Barker is now a sitting Member of Parliament and therefore subject to scrutiny in the National Assembly.
“It is also important to underscore that the Honourable Gordon Barker is now a sitting Member of Parliament,” she said, adding that “as with all elected officials, his public conduct and professional record are subject to legitimate scrutiny within the National Assembly.”
The Education Minister further stressed that “Parliamentary debate, by its nature, involves accountability and transparency, particularly where public service delivery is concerned.”
Rejecting claims that her remarks were politically motivated, the minister said her comments were intended to advance standards in education.
“I categorically reject any suggestion that any remarks were politically motivated or intended to undermine the dignity of the teaching profession,” Parag said. “On the contrary, my comments were made in the context of advocating for accountability, improved standards and the best possible outcomes for our children.”